(WWJ) Another blow was delivered to the UAW Thursday when federal prosecutors charged Edward "Nick" Robinson -- a close associate of United Auto Workers President Gary Jones -- with conspiracy to embezzle $1.5 million in union funds and conspiracy to defraud the United States.
See the complaint
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Robinson is the 12th person charged as part of a federal investigation involving the UAW. Overall, the investigation centers on whether UAW brass took kickbacks and bribes and/or misused funds meant for charity purposes.
For Robinson, the accusations involve whether he embezzled more than $1 million in member dues and spent them on things like $13,000 in cigars, spa treatments and golf outings.
"Another facet involved a scheme to fraudulently divert over $500,000 of union funds ... a significant portion of which was converted to cash to to further fuel the lavish lifestyles to which these officials became accustumed," the complaint says.
Per the Detroit News, Robinson is part of a UAW community activist group that also spent more than $190,000 on junkets for union leaders from 2014-18, according to court records. The Detroit News exclusively reported earlier this year, federal investigators are questioning whether UAW officers forced staffers to contribute money and kept the cash.
More than $45,000 was spent by the UAW on meals and liquor, more than $75,000 on golf green fees, golf clubs and merchandise, more than $8,000 on spa treatments and $1,000 at a gun range, according to the complaint.
