IBEW Benefits Boss Dietz Accused of $32K Theft

VALLEY VIEW, OH – A pillar of organized labor is facing serious allegations of personal enrichment at the expense of working families. John Dietz, 56, of Twinsburg, Ohio, has been charged with embezzling approximately $32,000 from the funds overseeing benefits for members of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 38. The charges were announced today by United States Attorney Steven M. Dettelbach.

Dietz, formerly the Administrator of the IBEW Local 38 Fringe Benefit Funds, Inc. (the “Funds, Inc.”), allegedly dipped into the accounts meant for healthcare, retirement, and pensions for IBEW Local 38 members. Funds, Inc. manages three crucial benefit plans: the IBEW Local 38 Health & Welfare Plan, the IBEW Local 38 401(k) Retirement Plan, and the IBEW Local 38 Pension Fund. Instead of safeguarding these resources, investigators say Dietz treated them like a personal slush fund.

The indictment details a pattern of brazen self-dealing spanning from February 21, 2009, through August 5, 2011. According to the information, Dietz allegedly used the Funds, Inc.’s credit cards to pay for personal expenses. He also reportedly submitted reimbursement requests for expenses that were decidedly *not* business-related, and even padded mileage claims for personal trips. The details paint a picture of systematic abuse of trust.

Federal prosecutors are quick to note that an information is merely an accusation, not a verdict. Dietz is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. However, if convicted, his sentencing will be determined by the judge, taking into account his criminal history (if any), his specific role in the alleged scheme, and the nature of the offenses. The statutory maximum penalty hasn’t been disclosed, but it’s understood the final sentence will likely fall short of that.

The investigation was a joint effort between the Department of Labor’s Employee Benefits Security Administration and the Office of Inspector General – Office of Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney John M. Siegel is leading the prosecution. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case as it unfolds, bringing you the unvarnished truth about corruption within the labor movement.

This case serves as a stark reminder that even those entrusted with managing vital benefits aren’t immune to criminal behavior. The IBEW Local 38 membership deserves answers, and the Grimy Times will ensure they get them. We’ll be watching closely to see if justice is served and whether further investigations reveal a deeper pattern of wrongdoing.