Center for Union Facts logo

Union Facts

Graphic Communications, Local 735

Guilty Pleas

Office of Labor-Management Enforcement

The Office of Labor-Management Standards (OLMS) conducts both civil and criminal investigations of alleged violations of the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act (LMRDA) and related laws.

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.

DateDescription
April 23rd, 2007On April 23, 2007 in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, Thomas P. Obzut, former Secretary-Treasurer of Graphic Communications International Union (GCIU), Local 735S was sentenced to two years probation, the first six months to be served under house arrest, a $500 fine, a $100 special victim assessment, and psychiatric counseling as directed by the US Probation Department for gambling addiction. Obzut has made full restitution to the union. On November 30, 2006, Obzut pled guilty to one count of embezzlement of union funds in the amount of $21,099.17. The sentencing follows an investigation by the OLMS Philadelphia District Office.
November 30th, 2006On November 30, 2006, in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, Thomas Obzut, former Secretary-Treasurer for Graphic Communications (GCIU) Local 735, pled guilty to embezzling union funds in the amount $21,099. Following his plea, Obzut made full restitution to the local. The guilty plea follows an investigation by the OLMS Philadelphia District Office.