Leominster Man Charged with Labor Union Embezzlement

A shocking case of greed has rocked a Massachusetts labor union, as Joe Scott, Jr., 53, of Leominster, was arrested today for embezzling $49,000 from the International Union of Electrical Workers, Communication Workers of America, Local 81154.

According to the indictment, Scott, who served as Treasurer of the union chapter based in Gardner, Mass., used his position to make debit card expenditures, withdraw funds, and issue checks from union bank accounts for his personal benefit. The alleged scheme included paying for storage costs, home internet and cell phone services, electrical and gas services, home improvement tools, dumpster rental, and personal expenses while on vacation.

The indictment alleges that Scott used his position to embezzle a total of $49,000 from the union, leaving its members and employers to foot the bill for his personal expenses. Scott’s actions are a betrayal of the trust placed in him as Treasurer, and a reminder that embezzlement can have serious consequences.

Scott faces a sentence of up to five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $10,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes that govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

The investigation into Scott’s alleged embezzlement was led by the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Labor-Management Standards, with the assistance of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Jonathan Russo, District Director, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Labor-Management Standards, made the announcement today.

The case against Scott is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan O’Shea of the Worcester Branch Office. The details contained in the indictment are allegations, and Scott is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

The alleged embezzlement scheme highlights the importance of oversight and accountability in labor unions. As the investigation continues, it is clear that Scott’s actions have caused harm to the union and its members, and that he will face the full force of the law for his alleged crimes.

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