David S. Manes, ex-business representative of United Steelworkers of Am. Local 12-711-A, which represents cab drivers in Las Vegas, pled guilty Feb. 20 to one count of embezzling $1,500 in union funds through an unauthorized salary payment on Oct. 8, 1998. The case is assigned to U.S. Dist. Judge Philip M. Pro (D. Nev., Reagan) and sentencing is scheduled for May 31.
Manes was indicted Aug. 29 on 153 counts of embezzling $24,923.42. Between Dec. 1996 and June 1999, he allegedly stole the funds in four ways: 1) 20 unauthorized salary payments; 2) 103 personal purchases on the local’s Am. Express card; 3) 16 personal purchases on the local’s Office Depot account; 4) 14 unauthorized union checks for his personal credit card and debts payments. According to the indictment, charges on the local’s credit card included: Liquor Land $44.90, Frederick’s of Hollywood $47.08, Wet Lace $89.80, Serge’s Show Girl Wigs $177.62, and Roland’s of Las Vegas (women’s clothing store) $329.15. Manes also made multiple purchases at Dillards, Service Merchandise, Las Vegas Golf/Tennis, Mr. Bill’s Pipe/Tobacco, and something called “Express Cash.” He also allegedly made charges at Caesar’s Palace, the Golden Nugget and the Desert Inn. He allegedly spent $364.20 at Airport Rent-a-Car and $479.50 at Eye Glass World. Charges were also allegedly made at hotels, restaurants, foot-wear stores, records stores, drug stores, video stores, and gas stations. While he only pled guilty to one count, the plea agreement states that he “agrees to make restitution in an amount to be determined by the court.” [USAO D. Nev. 3/1/02; DOL 2/20/02]