Steelworkers Rep Reed Gets 8 Months for Union Theft

PITTSBURGH, PA – Curtis Reed, 56, of St. Paul, Minnesota, is headed to federal prison after admitting to pilfering funds from the very workers he was supposed to represent. Reed, a former Staff Representative of the International Union of United Steelworkers, received an eight-month sentence today in U.S. District Court, a penalty to be served concurrently with a separate state charge in Minnesota. The sentence marks the culmination of a years-long investigation into Reed’s financial dealings.

According to court documents presented by prosecutors, Reed systematically siphoned approximately $3,700 from the union coffers over a five-year period, stretching from March 2005 to May 2010. The scheme involved charging personal expenses – details of which remain largely undisclosed – to union credit and fuel cards. While the amount stolen may seem modest, federal authorities say it represents a breach of trust that cannot be tolerated.

U.S. District Judge Mark R. Hornak handed down the sentence, acknowledging the seriousness of the offense but also factoring in Reed’s concurrent state sentencing. The Department of Justice, through United States Attorney David J. Hickton, made it clear that the prosecution aimed to send a strong message: those entrusted with managing union funds will be held accountable for any misuse.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Leo M. Dillon led the prosecution, meticulously building the case against Reed. The investigation wasn’t solely the work of the DOJ, however. Hickton specifically commended the Department of Labor’s Office of Labor Management Standards for their crucial role in uncovering the embezzlement and providing the evidence needed for a successful prosecution.

The case highlights the ongoing vulnerability of union funds to internal theft. While large-scale organized crime often grabs headlines, these smaller, insidious acts of embezzlement can erode the trust of union members and damage the integrity of the labor movement. The Department of Labor continues to prioritize investigations into union corruption, working alongside federal prosecutors to ensure accountability.

Reed’s sentencing serves as a warning to others who might consider exploiting their positions of power for personal gain. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on any further developments, including the details of Reed’s state charges in Minnesota. This isn’t just about money; it’s about the betrayal of hardworking Americans who rely on their unions to advocate for their rights and protect their livelihoods.