Christopher Scott Tidwell had bills to pay. Unfortunately, he thought his union would be a good source of paying them off. Tidwell, 32, formerly secretary-treasurer of United Transportation Union Local 1261 in Lineville, Alabama, pleaded guilty in federal court on June 30 to embezzling about $22,000 in local funds. Indicted in early May, Tidwell during January 1, 2006-February 26, 2008 allegedly forged the signature of the local president on several checks and pocketed the money. He stated a need to pay for household and other personal expenses. Tidwell also pleaded guilty to asset forfeiture. Sentencing is scheduled for October 1. The action follows an investigation by the U.S. Labor Department’s Office of Labor-Management Standards.
