A former union treasurer in Arizona has been sentenced to 18 months in prison for embezzling nearly $275,000 from a local union.
Richard Wayne Johnson, 49, of Surprise, Arizona, pleaded guilty to embezzlement, forgery, and false reporting charges on June 2015, stemming from the embezzlement and its attempted concealment.
"The United States Attorney Office will vigorously prosecute those who abuse positions of trust within unions to steal from its members," said United States Attorney John S. Leonardo. "Johnson’s actions were harmful to the hard-working members of the union and to this community, and they are deserving of a prison sentence."
Johnson, formerly a bus driver, served as the financial secretary and treasurer for the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1433 for seven years, ending in January 2012. The union consists of bus and light rail operators, mechanics, and service workers in Arizona; and the union is funded by dues collected from its members.
For several years, Johnson embezzled funds from the union for his personal use. He pleaded guilty to using the union debit card for an abundance of personal purchases, such as a home theater system, and for cash withdrawals. He also admitted to forging union checks written to himself or to family members.
As part of his sentence, Johnson was also ordered to pay restitution of $273,489 – the amount of the embezzled funds.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Labor-Management Standards and the IRS-Criminal Investigation. The prosecution was handled by Monica Klapper, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
Johnson’s sentencing date was September 14, 2015, and he was sentenced by U.S. District Judge David Campbell to 18 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release.
Richard Wayne Johnson, 49, of Surprise, Arizona, pleaded guilty to the following charges: embezzlement, forgery, and false reporting.
This case is a reminder of the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions, especially when they abuse positions of trust.
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/.
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.
CASE NUMBER: CR-15-00653-PHX-DGC
RELEASE NUMBER: 2015-075_Johnson
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For more information and details on this case visit: http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/press-release/file/761216/download
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Key Facts
- State: Arizona
- Category: White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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