He plotted to steal up to $1.5 million in union dues, and the money he diverted was spent on golf clubs, vacation homes, booze and lavish meals, fostering a culture of corruption within the United Auto Workers union.
Now former UAW president Gary Jones will have to spend 28 months in a federal prison and repay thousands of dollars for his crimes.
“There is no opportunity to provide checks and balances to abuse of power,” Assistant US Attorney David Gardey said. Instead, he said the union is dominated by its administrative caucus, which curried favor of leaders rather than serving members.