Since 1997, ex-Nev. teachers union boss Steve Confer has denied allegations he embezzled over $53,000 while treasurer of an Ind. teachers union. On Jul. 26, his story changed.
Confer pled guilty to one count of embezzlement in U.S. Dist. Court in Fort Wayne, Ind., after reaching an agreement with the U.S. Atty. For the plea, prosecutors dropped the remaining 19 embezzlement counts and will recommend leniency at sentencing.
Confer allegedly embezzled over $53,000 in 1994-96 while treasurer of the Professional Service Org. of the Ind. State Teachers Ass’n. He moved to Las Vegas in 1996, becoming exec. director of the Clark County Edu. Ass’n — the second largest Nat. Edu. Ass’n chapter. He resigned in 1998. He allegedly wrote himself $45,300 in checks and charged $7,800 on the union’s credit card for personal purposes. PSO sought to recover the funds. Reportedly, Confer settled by repaying the disputed amount in a 1997 agreement. But a private settlement doesn’t shelter him from criminal prosecution.
“He’s now barred for life from being an officer in any union,” said Asst. U.S. Atty. David Miller. He said Confer admitted guilt to writing a union check to a fictitious person for $1,850 and then cashing it himself. The maximum penalty is five years in prison or a $10,000 fine. Unfortunately, it’s likely that Confer will only get probation or house arrest. [Las Vegas Review-Journal 7/27/99]