A high-ranking official of United Auto Workers, with its headquarters in Michigan, is facing several felony charges, along with several other top officials of the union. The alleged white collar crimes case was outlined in a recent criminal information filing in the U.S. District Court sitting in Detroit. Prosecutors allege the defendant was part of a conspiracy to embezzle over $1.5 million from the UAW.
It is alleged that this defendant, along with six other top officials, started the embezzling conspiracy in 2010. Some of the schemes involved the submission of falsified vouchers to cover conference expenses. Unconfirmed sources say the union president was the person who directed the accused official to divert over $850,000 from a union account to cover the theft.
Prosecutors allege the defendant obtained unauthorized checks for between $500,000 and $700,000, which he split with the unnamed official after cashing the checks. Union funds were also allegedly used for setting up accounts with golf resorts and luxury hotels, and union officials purportedly used the money for high-end cigars and liquor, golf clubs, outings and more. It is further claimed that the unnamed official promised to arrange employment for a relative of the defendant in exchange for the defendant taking responsibility for the embezzlement.
For anyone in Michigan who suspects that he or she is being investigated for embezzlement or other white collar crimes, it makes sense to retain the services of an experienced criminal defense attorney. Having legal counsel from the onset is essential. White collar crimes cases involve the examination of intricate paper trails and other evidence. A skilled attorney can launch an independent investigation, which might provide evidence to create reasonable doubt, in order to avoid a criminal conviction.