Hooksett Man Sentenced To Probation And Order To Pay Restitution For Embezzling Labor Union Assets

          CONCORD - Dennis Robertson, 43, of Hooksett, was sentenced on Thursday in federal court to 3 years of probation and ordered to pay more than $37,000 in restitution for embezzling labor union assets, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.  

          According to court documents and statements made in court, Robertson served as the business manager for a local union based in New Hampshire for approximately 14 years until his dismissal in or around March 2017.  He was the only full-time paid officer or employee of the local union, which had approximately 140 to 170 dues-paying members.  Robertson’s duties included managing finances, receiving dues, dispatching workers, and handling grievances.

          Robertson had access to the organization’s bank accounts.  After Robertson left the union in approximately March of 2017, an audit revealed substantial financial discrepancies under Robertson’s tenure.  In sum, this review revealed that between August 2015 and February 2017, Robertson wrote and signed unauthorized expense checks to himself and made unauthorized cash withdrawals from the union’s checking account in the approximate amount of $23,519.  He additionally embezzled union funds in two other ways: (1) by making unsupported mileage payments to himself of approximately $11,333 and (2) failing to disclose cash dues payments he received from members in the amount of approximately $3,045.  When approached by investigators, Robertson admitted to taking the funds in order to fund his addiction to crack cocaine and other narcotics.  The Court’s sentence includes restitution to make the local union and its insurer whole for their losses.

          Robertson previously pleaded guilty on June 25, 2019.

          “Union members put their trust in Mr. Robertson and he betrayed that trust,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “The defendant improperly appropriated union funds for his personal use.  As a result of his self-serving actions, he is now a federal felon.”   

          “Combatting financial fraud and investigating embezzlement of union funds help safeguard financial integrity in labor unions,” said DOL-OLMS Northeastern Regional Director Andriana Vamvakas.  “This is a major priority for the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Labor-Management Standards.  We will work with the United States Attorney’s Office to identify criminal violations and pursue appropriate legal action whenever anyone puts personal financial gain ahead of the best interests of union members.”

          This matter was investigated by the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Labor Management Standards.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles L. Rombeau.           

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