Vincent Wolf, Embezzlement, Pennsylvania 2021

A shocking case of union embezzlement has come to light in Pennsylvania, with a former labor union financial secretary pleading guilty to the crime.

Vincent Wolf, 57, of Freedom, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to one count of embezzlement of labor union assets in federal court on an unspecified date. Wolf, who served as the financial secretary for the United Steelworkers Local Union 623 in Freedom from approximately April 2013 through April 2021, was responsible for maintaining all financial records, preparing annual reports, and issuing payments on behalf of Local 623.

An audit of the union’s finances following Wolf’s re-election loss revealed that he omitted from those records disbursements that he made to himself in the form of writing union checks to himself, ATM withdrawals, and using the union debit card to buy lunch and alcohol. The audit determined that Wolf embezzled a total of $14,695.

Wolf’s guilty plea was accepted in United States District Court by Judge Marilyn J. Horan. Sentencing has been scheduled for June 4, 2025. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. The law provides for a total sentence of up to five years in prison, a fine of up to $10,000 or twice the gross pecuniary gain to Wolf, or both.

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Labor-Management Standards conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Wolf. Assistant United States Attorney Brendan J. McKenna is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

Wolf’s actions undermine the trust of union members and the broader community. Embezzlement of union assets is a serious crime that has severe consequences for those affected.

The prosecution of Wolf serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability and transparency in labor unions and other organizations.

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