These investigations by OLMS District Offices involve issues such as embezzlements of union funds, union officer elections, the filing of required reports by unions and others with OLMS, and the imposition of trusteeships over subordinate unions by a parent body. These investigations may result in legal enforcement actions.
Date
Description
July 13th, 2012
On July 13, 2012, in the Superior Court of Washington, County of Jefferson, Michael Morgensen, former Treasurer of United Steelworkers Local 12-175 (located in Port Townsend, Wash.), pled guilty to both forgery and theft in the third degree, in violation of Washington RCW 9A.60.20 and 9A.56.020. Morgensen was then sentenced to 364 days in jail and was required to make restitution of $7,000. The plea and sentencing follow an investigation by the OLMS Seattle District Office.
May 8th, 2012
On May 8, 2012, in the United States District Court for the District of New Mexico, Thomas M. Chavez, former Secretary-Treasurer of United Steelworkers (USW) Local 12-659 (located in Questa, N.M.), was sentenced to three years of probation, 100 hours of community service, and was ordered to pay restitution of $16,965.54 and a $100 special assessment. On December 2, 2011, Chavez pled guilty to one count of embezzling $16,965.54 in union funds, in violation of 29 U.S.C. 501(c). The sentencing follows an investigation by the OLMS Denver District Office.
