Former UTU local treasurer indicted for embezzlement

A former treasurer of UTU Local 1006 (Brownsville, Pa.), Derek Klingman, has been indicted on charges of embezzling more than $9,300 from his local, reports the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.

The newspaper reports the indictment alleges Klingman “wrote and cashed unauthorized union checks for his personal benefit.”

So far this year, four former UTU local treasurers – and seven more from other rail unions – have faced federal indictments alleging they unlawfully converted union funds for personal use.

The UTU International reports on these indictments not further to embarrass the individuals charged or their locals, but to provide a warning that improper handling of union funds can lead to federal criminal indictments resulting in prison sentences.

UTU treasurers with questions regarding proper handling of union funds should contact the general secretary and treasurer at UTU headquarters in North Olmsted, Ohio.

An indictment is a formal accusation or charge based on a finding by a grand jury that it is likely that the person charged committed the criminal offense described in the indictment and is the means by which an accused person is brought to trial. An indictment raises no inference of guilt. As in all criminal cases, each defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.