Federal officials announced a former finance officer for a labor union admitted stealing $117,000 from his union’s operating accounts.
Federal officials say Angel L. Garcia, 57, of Tampa, Florida, pleaded guilty by videoconference before U.S. District Judge Stanley R. Chesler to an information charging him with one count of embezzling from the Amalgamated Transit Workers Union Local 1614, in Sussex County.
According to court documents and statements, Garcia was a bus driver who held a part-time position at Local 1614. Garcia was elected as the union’s financial secretary and served from June 2014 through May 2019.
As the financial secretary, he alone was responsible for maintaining the checkbook and other financial documents of the union.
However, without executive board approval, Garcia withdrew approximately $117,000 from the union’s three bank accounts to pay for his rent, utilities, telephone and other personal goods and services.
The embezzlement charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The sentencing is scheduled for November 17.