Charles Rocha, Union Fund Embezzlement, Pittsburgh PA, 2023

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – Charles Rocha, the former Political Director of the United Steelworkers International Union (USW), has been sentenced to 24 months probation and a $2,000 fine for embezzling union funds. This revelation came from United States Attorney David J. Hickton, who announced the federal court’s decision.

According to information presented to the court, Rocha, aged 44 and resident of Cranberry Township, Pa., misused a USW credit card and falsified voucher entries between January 2008 and June 2009. The former director’s actions came to light during a thorough investigation by the Department of Labor, Office of Labor Management Standards.

United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence, emphasizing that Rocha had climbed from the floor of a tire plant in Texas to the top ranks of the USW. The judge acknowledged Rocha’s recognition of the harm caused to himself and his family, as well as the significance of this prosecution in ensuring union dues are used properly.

Assistant United States Attorney Leo M. Dillon prosecuted the case on behalf of the government, while Judge Hornak commended the thorough investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Rocha. This sentence serves as a stark reminder of the consequences faced by those who misuse their positions in labor organizations.

The case against Rocha underscores the importance of accountability within large labor groups and highlights the commitment of federal authorities to protect union members’ hard-earned dues.