Union Boss Stole $36K From Homeland Security Workers

San Diego, CA – Felix Luciano, the former president of American Federation of Government Employees Local 2805, is headed to federal lockup after admitting he pilfered $36,000 in dues from the very workers he was supposed to represent. The four-month sentence handed down by U.S. District Judge Jinsook Ohta sends a clear message: stealing from working people won’t be tolerated.

Luciano, a former Department of Homeland Security officer himself, abused his position over a three-year period, from January 2016 to December 2018. He wasn’t just skimming a few bucks; the feds say he used union funds as a personal slush fund, covering everything from shopping sprees and travel to groceries and dining. Checks and debit cards belonging to Local 2805 were his personal ATM.

The union, representing Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement employees in San Diego and Imperial Counties, took a direct hit. The $36,000 wasn’t just lost money; it was funds meant to advocate for fair treatment, better wages, and benefits for those on the front lines. Luciano’s greed directly impacted the resources available to his members.

But Luciano didn’t just take the money, he tried to cover it up. Federal prosecutors revealed he filed falsified financial reports – Form LM-3s – with the U.S. Department of Labor, deliberately underreporting income and cash balances to hide the theft. He thought he could fool the authorities, but the feds aren’t easily deceived.

Local 2805 plays a critical role in protecting the rights of its members, and Luciano’s actions were a blatant betrayal of that trust. The sentencing isn’t just about punishment; it’s about sending a message that abusing a position of power within a union will be met with serious consequences. The feds are making an example out of him.

In addition to the four-month jail term, Luciano is ordered to repay the entire $36,000 he stole and cough up a $10,000 fine. Acting U.S. Attorney Andrew R. Haden, Ed Oquendo of the Department of Labor, and Postal Inspector Carroll Harris all emphasized the importance of holding union officials accountable. This case underscores the need for vigilance and transparency within labor organizations to prevent similar abuses in the future. The investigation was a collaborative effort between multiple agencies, proving that the feds are watching.

The case serves as a stark reminder that even those entrusted with safeguarding the interests of others are not above the law. Luciano’s actions demonstrate a callous disregard for the hardworking men and women he was supposed to serve, and his sentence reflects the severity of his betrayal.

This isn’t just a story about stolen money; it’s a story about broken trust and the importance of protecting the rights of workers. The Grimy Times will continue to follow cases of public corruption and hold those who abuse their power accountable.