The most serious charges yet in the investigation into UAW financial dealings are contained in the criminal information against Edward Robinson, a UAW political official in St. Louis. In it, Robinson is charged with embezzling hundreds of thousands of dollars in UAW funds. He is expected to plead guilty.
The documents mention UAW Official A as taking part in the embezzlement scheme. The court documents include a coverup, obstruction of the investigation, using burner cell phones, a payoff to shield UAW official A from prosecution.
The Detroit News reports that UAW Official A is Gary Jones, UAW president.
Robinson was charged with conspiring with Official A and other UAW officials, including “UAW Official B,” to also embezzle more than $1.5 million in member dues and spend the money on private villas, cigars, liquor, meals and golf.
The News says “UAW Official B” is former union President Dennis Williams.
Neither Jones nor Williams have been charged with a crime.
The UAW says it is cooperating with the probe and is concentrating on getting an equitable labor contract for it’s members with GM, Ford, and Fiat Chrysler.