Michelle Mogolich, a former office secretary for Int’l Ass’n of Bridge, Structural & Ornamental Iron Workers Local 732, was sentenced May 2 to six months home detention and three months probation for embezzling over $20,000 from the Pocatello, Idaho-based local. She was also fined $500. Mogolich had previously pled guilty to one count of embezzlement in federal court and had already repaid the local. [Idaho Statesman 5/3/00]
Boston Boss Sentenced for $30,000 in “No Show Payments”
U.S. Dist. Judge George A. O’Toole sentenced Anthony J. Frizzi, ex-business agent for Int’l Ass’n of Machinists Local S25, Sept. 7 to two years probation for his role in soliciting and accepting illegal payments from an employer which had entered into a collective bargaining agreement with Boston-based local. The first six months of the probation must be served in home confinement. O’Toole also fined Frizzi $5,000. Frizzi pled guilty in Apr. 2000.
In 1995, Frizzi played a central role for Local S25 in negotiating a collective bargaining agreement with Boston Ship Repair, Inc. Frizzi subsequently represented Local S25 and its members in their dealings with BSR. In early 1996, Frizzi informed BSR that he wanted to be placed on BSR’s payroll, even though he would not be performing any work. BSR agreed to this request, in the belief that doing so would help to ensure favorable labor relations.
Asst. U.S. Atty. Mark W. Pearlstein said, Frizzi knew that it was illegal for him to be paid by BSR under these circumstances. Frizzi allegedly attempted to conceal his receipt of these payments by providing BSR with his son’s social security number for payroll purposes. Pearlstein said, “Frizzi…received $30,826 in ‘no show payments’ from [BSR], a company whose employees were represented by the Union which Frizzi led. Federal Labor Law strictly prohibits the solicitation and receipt of such payments, in order to ensure the loyalty of Union officials and to prevent Union officials from extorting tribute from employers.”
Frizzi attempted to conceal his receipt of these payments by providing BSR with his son’s social security number for payroll purposes. [USAO D. Mass. Media Release 9/7/00, 4/3/00, 3/24/00]