The highest-ranking labor leader involved in an ongoing investigation of corruption in the auto industry is scheduled to be sentenced today.
Former UAW Vice President Norwood Jewell pled guilty in early April to violating a federal law that prohibits the exchange of gifts between auto officials and labor leaders.
The 61 year old Jewell, one of the most powerful leaders in the union, was accused of living a lavish lifestyle that included 7-thousand dollar steakhouse dinners and 30-thousand dollar cigar and
wine parties, all bankrolled by Fiat Chrysler executives intent on winning concessions from him at new contract bargaining talks.
The ongoing investigation has nabbed both union leaders and auto executives.
In exchange for his guilty plea, prosecutors have recommended that he be sentenced to between 12 and 18 months in prison.