Glenn Blicht, Demanding and Accepting Bribes, New York 2020

Union President Demands and Accepts $150,000 in Bribes

In a shocking turn of events, Glenn Blicht, the former president of a labor union, has pleaded guilty to demanding and accepting bribe payments from an employer. The bribes, totaling $150,000, were paid between 2009 and 2019, in exchange for Blicht's failure to represent the union members' interests.

According to the indictment, Blicht referred to the bribe payments as 'tickets,' with each ticket equaling a $1,000 bribe. He instructed an employer's official as to the number of 'tickets' to pay him each time. The official met with Blicht several times, paying him bribes on four occasions, all of which were recorded by law enforcement.

Blicht, 57, of Wilton, Connecticut, pleaded guilty to one count of demanding or receiving prohibited payments as a labor union official. This charge carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison. Under the terms of his plea agreement, Blicht has agreed to a 13-year ban from being employed by a labor union or employee benefit plan.

Additionally, Blicht has agreed to forfeit $150,000 and to pay restitution. Sentencing before Judge Analisa Torres is scheduled for February 12, 2020, at 3:00 p.m.

United States Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman praised the Department of Labor's Office of Inspector General and Employee Benefits Security Administration, the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation Division, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for their outstanding work on the investigation.

Blicht's betrayal of his union members' trust is a stark reminder of the importance of accountability in positions of power. As Blicht's case demonstrates, those who abuse their positions for personal gain will be held accountable for their actions.

The Office's Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit, led by Assistant United States Attorney Michael D. Neff, handled this case with diligence and dedication. Their efforts have brought Blicht to justice and have protected the interests of union members everywhere.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/pr/former-president-labor-union-pleads-guilty-demanding-and-accepting-bribes