Adam Raimer used his union like a personal bank. At least he’s repaid a large part of what he stole. On February 3, Raimer, formerly secretary-treasurer of Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1027, was sentenced in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California to five years of probation for one count each of embezzlement and access device fraud against the Fresno union in the amount of $41,429. He also was ordered to pay the remaining restitution of $18,429 plus a $200 special assessment. ATU Local 1027 represents city bus drivers in Fresno and MV Transportation bus drivers, dispatchers and mechanics in Fresno and Tulare.
According to federal prosecutors, Raimer, a resident of Madera (near Fresno), used his union position to make unauthorized purchases. During April 2006-April 2009, he allegedly bought merchandise from Office Depot, including large-screen TV sets, cameras and a GPS navigator, with a local account. He also paid personal cell phone and utility bills with union funds. An internal audit led to Raimer’s termination and a probe by the Labor Department’s Office of Labor-Management Standards. He continued to make unauthorized charges even after his dismissal. Raimer eventually was arrested in December 2012, pleading not guilty at his arraignment. Later, in September 2013, he changed his plea to guilty. At the time of sentencing last month, he already had paid back $23,000. Local 1027 is counting on receiving the rest.