Mark Douglas, Embezzlement of Union Funds, Louisiana 2023

A New Orleans man has been sentenced for stealing from the union he led. Mark Douglas, 72, was sentenced to 24 months of probation and a $100 special assessment for embezzling $7,078.35 from the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1101.

The scheme occurred between November 11, 2011 and January 17, 2015, when Douglas served as President of the union. During that time, he filed fraudulent 'lost time' claims, which allowed him to receive reimbursement for conducting union business he never actually performed.

Lost time is generally used for tasks such as arbitrations, attorney visits, accountant visits, or negotiations with Domino Sugar Company. However, Douglas took advantage of this system to line his own pockets.

The U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Labor-Management Standards, investigated the matter and praised the work of the U.S. Attorney's Office in prosecuting the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney G. Dall Kammer handled the prosecution for the government. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability within labor unions.

Mark Douglas, of New Orleans, was found guilty of embezzlement of union funds, a crime punishable under federal law. The exact date of the crime is between November 11, 2011 and January 17, 2015.

The court ordered Douglas to pay $7,078.35 in restitution to the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1101. He was also sentenced to 24 months of probation and a $100 special assessment.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-edla/pr/new-orleans-man-sentenced-embezzlement-union-funds