Secure .gov websites use HTTPS On Dec. 5, a former president in Danville, Ill., was indicted for embezzling $19,482. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Embezzlement can be a tricky situation with all of the money that flows into unions. He pleaded guilty in 2016. On June 3, 2009, in the 79th District Court of Mason County, Michigan, Kimberly Drake, former Treasurer of American Postal Workers Union (APWU) Local 3466 (located in Ludington, Mich.), pled guilty to one count of embezzlement of $200 or more but less than $1,000. On May 6, 2009, Jimenez had pled guilty to one count of making a false entry in or willful concealment of books and records. The plea follows an investigation by the OLMSNew OrleansDistrict Office. Every penny we have comes from the 5,000 hardworking men and women, he said. On April 7, 2009, in the United States District Court for the District of Maryland, LaRose Elsezy, former administrative assistant and bookkeeper of AFGE Local 1923, was indicted on one count of theft within a special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States and one count of aiding and abetting. On May 6, 2009, in the United States District Court for the District of South Carolina, Joseph Michael Johnson, former Secretary-Treasurer of Boilermakers Union Lodge 687 (located in Charleston Heights, S.C.), was sentenced to 12 months and 1 day imprisonment, three years supervised release and was ordered to pay a $100 fine. Theplea and charge follow an investigation by the OLMS Detroit District Office. Fonti was then sentenced to two years supervised probation and fined $1,000. 2023 Washington Policy Center All Rights Reserved Terms of Use, Mark Harmsworth talking affordable housing on the Lars Larson Show, Opinion: HB 1011 dies Keep readying for a long-term-care payroll tax starting this summer, HB 1011 dies: Keep readying for a long-term-care payroll tax starting this summer, Survivor: Legislation allowing Washington to join multistate Nurse Licensure Compact is still alive, Seattles social housing authority measure near approval with latest vote count, Elizabeth Hovde on the Lars Larson Show discussing nurse-shortage issues and policy ideas. On November 3, 2009, in the Village of Ilion (New York) Court, Raymond Watson, former Financial Secretary of Mine Workers Local 717 (located in Ilion, N.Y.), was charged with grand larceny. The plea follows an investigation by the OLMS Buffalo District Office. On October 7, 2009, in Goodhue County (Minnesota) District Court, a felony complaint was filed charging Michelle Adler, former Secretary-Treasurer of Government Security Officers Local 24 (located in Lake City, Minn.), with one count of theft of more than $1,000, but not more than $5,000. The sentencing follows a joint investigation by the OLMS Buffalo District Office and the New York State Police. It may seem like a problem thats only hitting large unions, but in fact, it happens commonly all across the country in large and small areas. Contact the Law Office of Douglas Herring, Possession of Controlled Dangerous Substances, Official Misconduct Charges in New Jersey, New Jersey Criminals and Parolees Could Have Voting Rights Restored. The charge follows a joint investigation by the OLMS Minneapolis Resident Investigator Office and the Railroad Retirement Boards Office of the Inspector General. Last updated on: November 14, 2021, 11:59h. SEIU California Union Leader Resigns Following Fraud, Embezzlement Charges October 13, 2021 / 2:43 PM / CBS San Francisco SACRAMENTO (AP) The top staff It also states that we are not to have any contact with Dr Walters from this date forward. The sentencing follows an investigation by the OLMS Cincinnati District Office. Now hes in prison, said Michael Galetti, a carpenterwho works in Detroit. On August 18, 2009, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of New York Norma Fanning, former Treasurer of Steelworkers Local 503 (located in Ogdensburg, N.Y.) was sentenced to one-year probation, 100 hours of community service and fined $1,000. As part of his plea, Garza admitted he awarded a $280,000 no-bid contract to Ahmed Bokaiyan. Baker misappropriated approximately 107 strike pay checks and forged members' signatures on the union's check register for 101 checks.The plea follows an investigation by the OLMS Cincinnati District Office. Charges were levied against an ex-president of the UAW in January 2017. Bania was found guilty on four counts of mail fraud and six counts of theft of union property. In this case, two contractors were given prison time and restitution fines. Investigators are said to be examining General Motors and Ford union training centers, as well. It can appear to the public that only large unions, such as those that cover auto workers, experience these types of issues. Assistant U.S. Union FactsUnion Facts Ironically, its government entities and organized labor groups, which are highly regulated, that discoverembezzlement because of auditing requirements. The sentencing follows a joint investigation by the OLMS Philadelphia District Office and the US Department of Labor Office of Inspector General. On February 6, 2009, Cremin pled guilty to accepting bribes in a program receiving federal funds. On March 25, 2009, in the United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan, Lyndon Denney, former Financial Secretary of Steelworkers Local 2-1019 (located in Otsego, Mich.), was sentenced to two years of probation and ordered to make restitution in the amount of $23,627.32 and pay a $100 special assessment.On November 24, 2008, Denney pled guilty to one count of embezzling union funds in the same amount. An OLMS investigation concluded that Elsezy created and cashed checks, drawn from the unions bank account, for personal use, affixed the signature stamps of the President and Treasurer, altered the name of the payees in the union's accounting system, and removed checks from the union's records to conceal the true beneficiary of the funds. The plea follows an investigation by the OLMS Phoenix Resident Investigator Office. Embezzlement On September 25, 2009, in the United States District Court for the Western District of Washington, Fawne Lei-Petersen, former office manager of Painters Local 300 (located in Seattle, Wash.), was sentenced to 3 months in prison, 7 months of home confinement, and 36 months of supervised release. On April 28, 2009, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, William I. And law enforcement warned of a growing trend at the time. The charge follows an investigation by the OLMS New York District Office. .table thead th {background-color:#f1f1f1;color:#222;} The UAW has weathered many storms over the years, and through bad economic times, long strikes, relentless and vicious organizing drives. Have you been accused of embezzlement in a union? This methodology may put someone without experience in charge of large amounts of money. Under terms of a plea deal with federal prosecutors, Edmunds could be sentenced to up to 57 months in prison on charges of money laundering and embezzlement. October 13, 2021 / 2:43 PM On March 23, 2009, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, Robert Walston, former President of Teamsters Local 743 (located in Chicago, Ill.), pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud, theft from a labor organization and one count of embezzlement of property and other assets of a labor organization in connection with his role in rigging the 2004 elections of union officers. Pearson was He added: "Any misuse of funds is unacceptable, and we are committed to doubling down on our efforts to ensure that all officers and staff adhere to the highest level of ethical and financial conduct.". On April 10, 2009, in the Montgomery County (Ohio) Court of Common Pleas, Monica Smalls, former Treasurer of AFGE Local 2209 (located in Dayton, Ohio), was charged with theft of $500 or more. We need to focus on important issues that support our members, like fair wages as the cost of living goes up.. On August 6, 2008, ORourke had been charged in a two-count indictment with embezzling union funds in the amount of $23,057 and falsifying union records. You cant train people to be ethical. Or you can peruse the Office of Labor-Management Standards (OLMS) Annual Report, which highlights the most significant enforcement actions against union officers and employees each year. On October 9, 2008, Bruno was charged with embezzling union funds, between March 2004 and March 2006, in the same amount. On August 6, 2009, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of New York, Donna Caltabiano, former President of AFSCME Local 888 (located in Catskill, N.Y.), was sentenced to six months of home confinement and five years of probation and ordered to make restitution of $23,644.76. On April 10, 2009, in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Georgia, Dianne Drawdy, former Financial Secretary of Security Police Fire Professionals Local 576 (located in Baxley, Ga.), was indicted on sixteen counts of embezzling union funds in the amount of approximately $17,900. A former executive director of the Hawaii Painting & Decorating Contractors Association pleaded guilty in May 2016 to embezzling approximately $1,483,800 from the Hawaii Painters Trade Promotion & Charity Fund, which comes out of the hourly wages of Painters District Council 50 in Honolulu. On August 18, 2009, in the United States District Court for the Western District of Kentucky, David Lee Tungett, former organizer for the Kentucky Laborers District Council (located in Lawrenceburg, Ky.), pled guilty to one count of destruction of union records. Well, Ive just identified 80% of the country.. The sentencing follows an investigation by the OLMS Cleveland District Office. These were essentially persons entrusted with another's property, such as agents, attorneys, bankers, and corporate officers. This accusation is a dire situation that could result in the loss of your job, the potential of having a difficult time finding a job in the future, fines, and even a prison sentence. Owens then pled guilty to the charge and was sentenced to sixty days probated for twenty-four months on the condition that he make restitution of $200.00 and pay $153.00 in fines and court costs by February 3, 2010. Tungett was also ordered to attend a drug aftercare program, pay a $250 fine and a $25 special assessment. UAW corruption scandal deepens as feds charge 16th person after On July 1, 2009, Wheeler had pled guilty to one count of embezzling union funds. ), was charged with one count of larceny over $250, relating to the taking of union funds in the amount of $24,795.The charge follows an investigation by the OLMS Boston District Office and the Massachusetts State Police. The plea follows an investigation by the OLMS Detroit District Office. The sentencing follows an investigation by the OLMS Pittsburgh District Office. The sentencing follows an investigation by the OLMS Cincinnati District Office. On February 19, 2009, an information was filed charging Jimenez with one count of false entry in or willful concealment of books and records. On September 24, 2009, in the United States District Court for the District of Arizona, Roger Wuest, formerSecretary-Treasurer of Security Police and Fire Professionals Union Officer, Ind. On October 15, 2009, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Alabama, Christopher Scott Tidwell, former Secretary-Treasurer of Transportation Union Ind, Local 1261 (located in Lineville, Ala.), was sentenced to 60 months probation, including six months home confinement with electronic monitoring, and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $22,264.08 and a $100 special assessment. Rodriguez was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment and two years of supervised release. (Photo Credit: UAW Local 412) Timothy Edmunds, 53, has been charged in a criminal Complaint with the embezzlement of union funds during a 10-year period, stretching from 2011 to 2021, according to Saima S. Mohsin, the acting U.S Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan. The sentencing follows an investigation by the OLMS Miami Resident Investigator Office. Moon obtained in excess of $2,000 from Local 1626 in the form of unapproved loans totaling $14,931. A lock ( The UAW says this illustrates that its constitutionprovides the intended checks and balancesthat essentially requiretwo keys and conspiracyto steal. The sentencings followed a joint investigation by OLMS Chicago District Office, the Department of Labor's Office of the Inspector General, and the U.S. Its a perception that some union officials like to perpetuate. Many in the public perceivelabor unions to besynonymous with corruption. The sentencing follows an investigation by the OLMS Dallas District Office. On March 10, 2009, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, Charles Bohanon, former Secretary-Treasurer of Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers (BLE) Division 1 (located in Petersburg, Mich.), was sentenced to three years of supervised release and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $18,074.23 and a $100 special assessment.On November 20, 2008, Bohanon pled guilty to embezzling union funds in the same amount. The sentencing follows an investigation by the OLMS Buffalo District Office. On January 7, 2009, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of New York, Carol Bruno, former Treasurer of AFSCME, Civil Service Employees Association Region 4 (located in Albany, N.Y.), pled guilty to one count of embezzling union funds in the amount of $16,118.57. Embezzlement is an action where a person takes in money for a business or other entity, and instead of putting it into the correct account, keeps it for themselves. Academy In the other multimillion-dollar case, charges were filed on Jan. 9, 2017, againsta former UAW president in New Jersey accused of hatching a scheme with a health insurance broker tosteal $1 million from the unions self-insured health planand defraud Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of approximately $5.5million. Alphons Iacobelli, formervice president at FCA, was charged in July 2017 with conspiracy and delivering more than $1.2 million in prohibited payments and things of value to the late General Holiefield, former vice president of the UAW, Holiefield's wife and other UAW officials. Assistant U.S. Attorney Quincy L. Ollison is prosecuting the case. Elsezy affixed the signature stamps of the President and Treasurer, altered the name of the payees in the union's accounting system, and removed checks from the union's records to conceal the true beneficiary of the funds. All Rights Reserved. Its typically a very trusted relationship with somebody who has been with the company a long time and has access to be able to get away with the fraud. The plea and sentencing follows an investigation by the OLMS Nashville Office. On August 10, 2009, Tungett was charged in an information with one count of destruction of union records. They were charged with five felony counts of filing false tax returns, allegedly under reporting their income by about $1.4 million over five years, according to the complaint. On February 17, 2009, in the United States District Court, Northern District of Ohio, Todd Novak, former Secretary-Treasurer of Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) Division 3 (located in Cleveland, Ohio), was sentenced to six months home confinement with electronic monitoring, two years probation, and was fined $2,000. On March 25, 2009, in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida, Tarris D. Dallas, former Financial Secretary-Treasurer of United Steelworkers Local 9-415 (located in Fernandina Beach, Fla.), pled guilty to one count of embezzling union funds in the amount of approximately $105,000.The plea follows an investigation by the OLMS Atlanta District Office. The Department of Education-Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation with the assistance of the TEA. Report shows corruption continues to plague labor On October 29, 2009, in the County Court of Hale County, Texas, Rudy Villa Jr., former Treasurer of American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) Local 2771 (located in Plainview, Texas), was indicted on felony theft charges. On September 10, 2008, Johnson was charged with embezzling union funds in the same amount. An investigation concluded that Vafias was involved in a no-show job scheme associated with the 2 Broadway Project and Operating Engineers Local 14 (located in New York City, N.Y.). The sentencing follows an investigation by the OLMS Washington District Office. The plea and sentencing follows an investigation by the OLMS Cincinnati District Office. His trial is scheduled for March 19. Casesinvolved unions representing nurses, aerospace engineers, firefighters, teachers, film and TV artists, air traffic controllers, musicians, bus inspectors, bakery workers, roofers, postal workers, machinists, ironworkers,steelworkers, dairy workers, plasterers, train operators, plumbers, stagehands, engineers, electricians, heat insulators, missile range workers andbricklayers. On July 31, 2009, in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Georgia, Dianne Drawdy, former Financial Secretary of Security Police Fire Professionals Local 576 (located in Baxley, Ga.) pled guilty to embezzling union funds. Have a question about Government Services? The sentencing follows an investigation by the OLMS Detroit District Office. 609-566-9686. Vernon, Ind. p.usa-alert__text {margin-bottom:0!important;} A former financial secretary for the International Longshoremens Association Local 970 in Norfolk, Va., was sentenced in February 2017 to 41 months in prison after stealing $1,072,669 from the union by making cash withdrawals and using money to buy gas, food, clothing, shoes, toys, entertainment and home improvement supplies. The site is secure. On September 10, 2009, in Circuit Court for the State of Maryland, City of Baltimore, Robert Bealefeld, former Financial Secretary-Treasurer of Glass Molders & Plastics Local 118 (located in Baltimore, Md. Corruption undermines the very soul of unions. The charge follows an investigation by the OLMS Cleveland District Office. Just to clarify, that is restitution of more than $102 million. A conviction is a judgment based on a jurys verdict, judges finding, or the defendants admission that the defendant is guilty of the crime charged. A Maryland woman who gambled away nearly $1.5 million in funds from the elite dance school where she served as comptroller pleaded guilty to fraud in U.S. District Court On December 16, 2009, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, an information was filed charging Brenda Bywater, former Treasurer of American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees(AFSCME)Local 100 (located in Pontiac, Mich.), with one count ofmaking false entries in union records. At the hearing, the court noted Garza led a double life and had a desire for taking money from others which got him into trouble and led him to his situation today. On January 6, 2021, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri, Scott E. Rodgers, President of National Postal Mail Handlers Union (NPMHU) The indictment follows an investigation by the OLMS Detroit District Office. They allegedly owe the state more than $140,000 and could face state prison time. Elliott was ordered to perform 100 hours of community service and ordered to pay assessments and fees of $594. On March 4, 2009, Welch was indicted on one count of embezzlement from a non-profit/charitable organization between $1,000 and $20,000. The plea follows an investigation by the OLMS Cincinnati District Office. In just the last two years alone, more than 300 union offices were found to have a union official or employee stealing from union members. An official website of the United States government. On November 18, 2009, in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Iowa, John A. Mannenga, former Recording Secretary-Treasurer of Railroad Signalmen Local 98 (located in Norwalk, Iowa) was charged with one count of embezzling union funds in the amount of $14,042 and two counts of filing false reports with the Department of Labor. ), was sentenced to three years probation and ordered to make restitution in the amount of $5,048. On September 14, 2009, in the United States District Court for the Western District of Kentucky, Richard M. Clark, former Secretary Treasurer of Letter Carriers Branch 468 (located in Bowling Green, Ky.), pled guilty to embezzling union funds totaling $18,680 and destruction of union records. div#block-eoguidanceviewheader .dol-alerts p {padding: 0;margin: 0;} On May 15, 2009, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of New York, Norman Joseph Stefanik, former Treasurer of Steelworkers Local 1450 (located in Watertown, N.Y.), pled guilty to embezzling union funds. On November 17, 2009, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California, Ruth R. Olson, former Financial Secretary of Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 1225 (located in Marina, Calif.), was sentenced to four years probation, 200 hours community service, and ordered to pay $12,904.56 in restitution and a $25 special assessment. Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. One financial analystrecalled working with a treasurer who was dyslexic and another who had trouble balancing his own checkbook. In November 2002, Kupau was convicted of money laundering. On October 23, 2008, St. John was indicted on one count of embezzling union funds in the amount of approximately $24,000. Brownlee falsified travel vouchers, per diem, lodging, and lost time claims. Renew Dr. Ann Walters contract as Headmaster at Union Academy A charge is an accusation of criminal activity and raises no inference of guilt. The charge follows an investigation by theOLMSDetroit District Office. My office will continue to work with the Office of Labor-Management Standards to ensure corrupt union leaders like Burkhart are held accountable for their crimes.. Watson is alleged to have made personal charges totaling $1,759 on the union credit card. The sentencing follows an investigation by the OLMS Buffalo District Office. The indictment follows an investigation by the OLMS Birmingham Resident Investigator Office. On March 31, 2009, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri, Michael St. John, former Secretary Treasurer of Glass Molders Local 30 (located in Festus, Mo. The charge, plea and sentencing follow an investigation by the OLMS Cincinnati District Office. We are hired to detect suspected fraud, and to help businesses recover from the catastrophic financial effect it can have. On July 29, 2009, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Iowa, a sealed indictment was opened charging Thomas Jon Witham, former Secretary Treasurer of International Brotherhood of Boilermakers Local 106-D (located in Mason City, Iowa) with one count of embezzlement of union funds in the amount of $52,037.19. A sentence is a judicial determination of the punishment to be imposed on an individual who has plead guilty or has been convicted by a jury or judge of a criminal offense. He conceded it hurts the union's image internally and externally. The sentencing follows an investigation by the St. Louis District Office. I mean, the teacher at my sons high school just embezzled from the homecoming fund.. Ex UAW boss Williams charged in embezzlement scandal - The We see more fraud cases go unreported to avoid publicity.. On January 14, 2009, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, Jeffrey Baker, former co-chairman of the Picket Committee for Machinists Local Lodge 1943 (located in Middletown, Ohio), pled guilty to one count of making a false entry in a union record. Copyright 2019 WBTV. Subsequently, Holmes was sentenced to five years in prison, suspended, five years of probation, and was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $6,350. Monica Morgan, wifeof Holiefield,was charged in July 2017 with tax evasion and conspiracy stemming from her familys receipt of more than $1.2 million from the former vice president of FCA between 2009 and 2014. (CWA) Local 88667 (located in Latrobe, Pa.), was sentenced to 5 years probation and was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $8,001.86 and a special assessment of $100. On April 2, 2009, in the Hennepin County District Court of Minnesota, William Thomas Brown, former Financial Secretary-Treasurer of IBEW Local 886 (located in New Hope, Minn.), was convicted of one felony count of theft over $1,000 associated with the theft of union funds in the amount of $6,467.05. Frequently, money goes to buy luxury items. The plea follows an investigation by the OLMS Cleveland District Office. Prosecutions of Union Officials in 2018 Unmasked Theft, On September 24, 2009, in the United States District Court for the Central District of California, Alejandro Stephens, former President of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 660 (now Local 721) (located in Los Angeles, Calif.), pled guilty to two counts of mail fraud in connection with income fraudulently received from the Voter Improvement Program of the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, and one count of filing a false tax return related to his failure to report $35,000 fraudulently received from this fund. We had our union president build a big elaborate house with materials, money and labor through our union. On May 1, 2009, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, Thaddeus Bania, Richard Lopez and David Rodriguez, former comptroller, Secretary Treasurer and Recording Secretary, and organizer, respectively, of Teamsters Local 743 (located in Chicago, Ill.), were convicted on numerous counts arising from multiple schemes involving the locals voided October 2004 regular election of officers and a rerun election that was held in December 2004. The plea and sentencing follow an investigation by the OLMS Detroit District Office. Federal prosecutors say UAW leader Vance Pearson conspired with other union officials to embezzle hundreds of thousands of dollars in union money. ), pled guilty to one count of embezzlement of union funds of over $5,000. All rights reserved. The plea follows an investigation by the OLMS New York District Office. Disclaimer | Sitemap | Privacy Policy. On September 15, 2009, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia, Sonia McGuire, former treasurer of American Postal Workers Union (APWU) Local 3434 located in Decatur, Ga.), was indicted for embezzling union funds, between January 15, 2005 and April 28, 2008, in excess of $15,000. The sentencing follows a joint investigation by the OLMS Denver District Office and the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General. On October 30, 2008, Steinruck had pled guilty to grand larceny in the fourth degree for taking union funds in the same amount. As part of its effort to protect and safeguard union funds and assets, OLMS investigates possible embezzlement from unions and other violations of criminal laws. On February 3, 2009, in the United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia, Donna Roles, former Financial Secretary of Steelworkers Local 14310 (located in Mt. The .gov means its official. Often, the person or people that took part are typically members of the organization that everyone likes. The charge follows an investigation by the OLMS St. Louis District Office. Rhein had previously made a restitution payment in the amount $14,500.00. The sentencing follows an investigation by the OLMS Milwaukee District Office. On July 22, 2009, in the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania, Donna J. Simpson, former secretary of Steelworkers District 10 (located in North Versailles, Pa.), was sentenced to six months incarceration, six months home detention, two years supervised release and ordered to pay restitution of $84,065.14. On February 3, 2009, Wiggins pled guilty to one count of embezzling union funds in the same amount. The plea follows an investigation by the OLMS Cleveland District Office. .usa-footer .container {max-width:1440px!important;} On October 9, 2008, Bruno was charged with embezzling union funds, between March 2004 and March 2006, in the same amount. On November 12, 2009, in the United States District Court for the District of Montana, Laura A. In one such case, the union was taking money for one legitimate purpose and stealing it to purchase personal gifts. On July 31, 2009, Drawdy pled guilty to embezzling union funds in the amount of $17,900. WebOfficer at TXDOT Credit Union in Wichita Falls, Texas Sentenced to Nearly Six Years in Federal Prision for Embezzlement Scheme U.S. Attorneys Office April 03, 2009 Northern District On Feb. 17, a former member was sentenced to probation and ordered to pay restitution of $3,208 after pleading guilty to lying to an investigator. What Are Some High Profile Cases of Embezzlement in Unions? On May 18, 2009, in the 61st District Court of Kent County, Michigan, Kevin Welch, former Financial Secretary of Communications Workers of America (CWA) Local 84-415 (located in Grand Rapids, Mich.), was sentenced to one year of incarceration (suspended), placed on probation for a period of one year, ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $2,759.55 and fined $25.