Oklahoma Labor Union President Sentenced for Embezzlement

A former labor union president in Oklahoma has been sentenced to three years of probation and ordered to pay restitution after being found guilty of embezzling nearly $20,000 from the union.

Thomas Jerome Burkhart Jr., 59, of Sapulpa, Oklahoma, was sentenced in federal court for embezzling close to $20,000 from Steelworkers Local 145. The union funds were embezzled between July 2018 and August 2019, while Burkhart served as president of the local union from 2014 through 2019.

Burkhart pleaded guilty on April 8, 2021, admitting to embezzlement and theft of labor union assets. The Office of Labor-Management Standards (OLMS) opened an investigation after an internal audit by Steelworkers Local 145 revealed a loss of union funds.

OLMS found that Burkhart embezzled union funds by writing approximately 43 unauthorized checks to himself, resulting in a loss of $19,900 to the local union. The U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Labor-Management Standards conducted the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeffrey A. Gallant and David D. Whipple prosecuted the case.

Burkhart’s sentencing sends a clear message that there are consequences for individuals who breach the trust placed in them to be good stewards of union funds. The vast majority of union officials do their work diligently and without incident, but OLMS will continue to work with unions to hold accountable anyone who unlawfully exploits their union position to enrich themselves without regard to the best interests of union members.

The case serves as a reminder that labor union leaders are not above the law and will be held accountable for their actions. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to work with the Office of Labor-Management Standards to ensure corrupt union leaders are brought to justice.

Mandatory Facts:

Defendant: Thomas Jerome Burkhart Jr., 59, of Sapulpa, Oklahoma

Criminal Charges: Embezzlement and theft of labor union assets

City and State: Sapulpa, Oklahoma

Date: April 8, 2021

Sentence: Three years of probation and ordered to pay $19,900 in restitution

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