Kentucky Man Pleads Guilty to Embezzling Assets of a Labor Union

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – James Burke, 55, of Grayson, Kentucky, pleaded guilty today to embezzlement of assets of a labor union.

According to court documents and statements made in court, from in or about July 2022 through in or about October 2023, Burke was the financial secretary of a labor organization located in Huntington. Burke admitted that he issued nine unauthorized or altered checks payable to himself totaling $22,642.42.  Burke further admitted that he improperly withheld portions of checks payable to the labor organization as cash totaling $14,332.94 when he deposited them. Burke also admitted that he diverted six dues checks payable to the labor organization and totaling $3,035.70 to his personal use.

Burke is scheduled to be sentenced on May 26, 2026, and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. Burke also owes $40,011.47 in restitution. Burke also faces a ban on holding office in a labor organization for up to 13 years.

United States Attorney Moore Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Department of Labor-Office of Labor-Management Standards.

United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Gabriel Price is prosecuting the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:26-cr-5.

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