ANOTHER UAW FIGURE HAS BEEN CHARGED IN THE FEDERAL INVESTIGATION OF CORRUPTION IN THE AUTO INDUSTRY.
JOE ASHTON, A RETIRED UAW VICE PRESIDENT, WHO WAS ONCE APPOINTED TO THE GENERAL MOTORS BOARD OF DIRECTORS, WAS CHARGED WITH CONSPIRACY, BRIBERY AND TAKING KICKBACKS. FEDERAL DOCUMENTS SAY THAT ASHTON DEMANDED $550,000 FROM VENDORS. IN RETURN, HE’S ACCUSED OF DIRECTING CONTRACTS OF $15.8 (M) IN UAW BRANDED MERCHANDISE TO VENDORS, INCLUDING ASHTON’S PERSONAL CHIROPRACTOR. THE SCHEME ALSO INVOLVES ASHTON’S RIGHT HAND MAN JEFF PIETRZYK, AND FORMER UAW OFFICIAL MICHAEL GRIMES, BOTH OF WHOM HAVE PLEADED GUILTY. ASHTON IS CHARGED IN A FEDERAL CRIMINAL INFORMATION COMPLAINT. A GUILTY PLEA WOULD BE EXPECTED. HE’S FACING A POSSIBLE 20 YEARS IN PRISON.