PORTLAND, Maine (AP) - A former Machinists union official who acknowledged embezzling money to help support his partner’s opioid addiction was sentenced Monday to 18 months in federal prison and ordered to repay $280,865 that he took from Local S6 at Bath Iron Works.
Ryan Jones, 35, of Biddeford, apologized for his actions and told U.S. District Judge George Singal that he’s working on “being an honest man,” the Bangor Daily News reported .
“I’ve seen the darkest days I hope to see in my life,” Jones said. “I’ve lied to everybody in my life for a long time. I’m working on being an honest man today.”
Jones was secretary-treasurer when he allegedly made 199 unauthorized withdrawals from the bank account of shipbuilders’ union in Bath.
His attorney said in court documents Jones married an “addict” and that he began stealing union money “to maintain a lifestyle created by their interdependence on partying, drugs, and alcohol.” Prosecutors say he was stealing more than $1,000 per week.
Union members are bitter about the embezzlement. Mike Keenan, president of Local S6, said he was disappointed the sentence wasn’t longer.
“I was obviously expecting him to serve more time, but I respect the judge’s decision. (But) there are going to be some upset folks in Bath.”
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Information from: Bangor Daily News, http://www.bangordailynews.com
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