A former treasurer of a New Mexico labor union has been charged with wire fraud and embezzlement, federal authorities announced. Max Jaramillo, 58, is accused of using his role as treasurer of the National Postal Mail Handlers Union, Local 331, to misappropriate union funds for personal expenses over a period spanning from 2014 through early 2024.
According to court records, Jaramillo allegedly concealed these unauthorized expenditures by submitting annual financial reports that falsely described the disbursements as legitimate union expenses. These filings were required by law and intended to inform both union members and the Department of Labor about the organization’s finances.
Federal prosecutors say these false reports hid the misuse of funds from both union members and federal regulators. Jaramillo faces two counts of wire fraud and three counts of embezzlement by an officer or a labor organization. If convicted, he could face up to 20 years in prison.
Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison stated: "An indictment or criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law."
The investigation was conducted by the Department of Labor’s Office of Labor Management Standards. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico is prosecuting the case.
