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(WWJ) A former president of the United Auto Workers is facing federal charges in a federal corruption probe that has rocked the labor union.
The U.S. Attorney's Office on Thursday charged 67-year-old Dennis Williams with conspiring to embezzle union funds.
Williams is the second UAW president to be charged. Investigators allege he worked with former President Gary Jones, and at least five other senior UAW officials, to embezzle money from the UAW over a nine year period starting in 2010.
Some of the money was used for personal expenses, the feds allege in court documents, including multi-month stays at private villas in Palm Springs, California, as well as premium cigars, golf, high-end booze and fancy meals.
“The UAW’s members deserve leaders dedicated to serving the members and their families, not serving themselves," U.S. Attorney Matthew Schneider said, in a statement.
Jones pleaded guilty in June, and there are indications that Williams will do the same.
The UAW on Thursday released the following statement:
“We are aware of criminal charges filed against former UAW President Dennis Williams. Any violation of Mr. Williams' oath of office and his responsibility to oversee our members and their sacred dues money, should rightfully face criminal penalty. Today’s development is a sad day for UAW members. But it is also a humbling day of truth and justice demonstrating that no one is above the law, regardless of their position.
"Under the leadership of current UAW President Rory L. Gamble, the UAW and our International Executive Board continue to focus on comprehensively reviewing and strengthening our Union’s financial and ethical policies and controls, and the UAW will continue to take the strong actions necessary to restore the full faith and trust of our more than 400,000 active members and nearly 500,000 retirees across the country.
"As we have committed to our membership, when the UAW finds there has been wrongdoing, we will take all available actions to hold that person accountable, no matter how high the office they hold. Let us begin to turn the page to a better union -- but let us never forget the painful lessons of the past.”
If convicted, Williams faces up to five years in prison and fines up to $250,000.