The former president of the United Auto Workers (UAW) union, Dennis Williams, has been sentenced to 21 months in prison due to his role in a corruption scandal.
Prosecutors asserted that Williams took advantage of his position within the union and lived a life far removed from the members that he was representing. In September 2020, the 68-year-old pleaded guilty to a charge of conspiracy to embezzle union funds and earlier this week was sentenced to 21 months in prison and ordered to pay a $10,000 fine and restitution to the UAW totaling $132,000, the Detroit Free Press reports.
Throughout the case, prosecutors said that Williams and other UAW leaders covered up expenses on meals, alcohol, cigars, and other perks by submitting fraudulent invoices to the UAW. Each year, Williams would also stay in a posh villa during union conferences.
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“Williams admitted… he and other senior UAW officials used UAW money to pay for personal expenses, including multi-monthlong stays at private villas in Palm Springs, California, cigars, golfing apparel, green fees at golf courses, and high-end liquor and meals,” prosecutors said. “During the course of the conspiracy, while Williams was UAW President, coconspirators Gary Jones, Vance Pearson, and others provided themselves and Williams with thousands of dollars in such personal items.”
During sentencing, Williams apologized and admitted to his wrongdoing.
“What I did was wrong. I tried to make things right. I paid back every last cent to the UAW in restitution plus back taxes, but that alone can’t fix it. To all the members who hear me, I hope that one day you can look back on all the advances we made together. In the meantime, all I can say is, ‘I’m sorry and ask for your forgiveness,’” he said.