Leah B. Foley United States Attorney for the District of Massachusetts | Department of Justice
Joe Scott, Jr., a resident of Leominster, was sentenced on May 1 in federal court in Worcester for embezzling funds from a labor union. U.S. District Court Judge Margaret R. Guzman ordered Scott to serve 42 months of probation, including six months of home confinement, and pay $49,559 in restitution.
Scott pleaded guilty in January to one count of embezzlement from a labor union. He served as Treasurer for the International Union of Electrical Workers, Communication Workers of America, Local 81154 (IUE-CWA Local 81154), which is based in Gardner and represents workers at various employers across Massachusetts.
According to court records, Scott used his position as Treasurer to take approximately $49,559 from the union’s accounts by making debit card purchases, withdrawing cash, and issuing checks for his personal benefit. The money was spent on storage costs, home internet and cell phone services, utility bills such as electrical and gas services, tools for home improvement projects, dumpster rental fees, and personal expenses while on vacation.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Jonathan Russo of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Labor-Management Standards announced the sentencing. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan O’Shea prosecuted the case.
The U.S. Attorney for the District of Massachusetts enforces federal laws through prosecutions involving crimes such as national security threats and civil rights violations; it also advances community initiatives on civil rights and violence prevention according to the official website. The office maintains facilities at the John Joseph Moakley United States Federal Courthouse in Boston with branch offices located in Springfield and Worcester.
