Jonathan H. Smith, Embezzlement, Alaska 2023

Embezzlement Rocks Alaska Union: Former Official Sentenced to Community Confinement and Probation

Anchorage, Alaska – In a shocking turn of events, a former union financial secretary in Juneau, Alaska, has been sentenced to five years of probation with the condition that he serve four months in community confinement, perform 250 hours of community work service, and pay full restitution of $41,770.47. Jonathan H. Smith, 42, of Juneau, was found guilty of embezzling funds from Carpenters Local Union 2247.

The embezzlement occurred between June 2006 and May 2012, during which Smith held the elected position of Financial Secretary for Carpenters Local Union 2247. As Financial Secretary, Smith was responsible for making deposits in the union bank account, paying bills, co-signing checks, and managing the day-to-day business of the union. Despite being an unpaid position, Smith was also employed by the Alaska Regional Council of Carpenters as Business Agent from 2004 until 2012, earning an annual salary ranging from $66,000 to $93,000.

Smith’s abuse of position was extensive, using the union’s ATM/debit card and checkbook to make cash withdrawals and pay for personal expenditures, including personal travel, meals at restaurants, purchasing alcohol, eating and drinking at bars, and buying consumer goods throughout Alaska and elsewhere in the country. He also withdrew thousands of dollars in union funds to gamble at several casinos in Las Vegas and Washington State.

U.S. Attorney Karen L. Loeffler announced the sentencing, stating that Smith had abused a position of trust and that his sentence should deter others from engaging in similar crimes. The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Labor Management Standards.

According to the investigation, Smith knowingly and willfully embezzled, stole, and illegally converted union funds to his own personal use in the amount of $41,770.47. Judge Timothy M. Burgess noted that Smith’s sentence was a result of his abuse of position and the need to deter others from committing similar crimes.

Jonathan H. Smith, 42, of Juneau, was sentenced on [no exact date provided] in federal court in Juneau. The exact date of the crime is between June 2006 and May 2012. Smith’s sentence includes five years of probation, four months of community confinement, 250 hours of community work service, and restitution of $41,770.47.

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