Louisiana Union Financial Secretary Charged with Stealing Union Funds

Louisiana – On May 19, 2022, Brian Gerald, age 50, a resident of Franklinton, Louisiana, was charged in a one count indictment for embezzlement of assets of a local labor union in violation of Title 29, United States Code, Section 501(c), announced United States Attorney Duane A. Evans.

Gerald was the Financial Secretary of United Steelworkers Local 13-189, according to court records. Gerald allegedly embezzled $112,594.18 from the union account between May 25, 2018 and September 8, 2020, according to the indictment.

Gerald faces up to five years in prison, a $10,000 fine, up to three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee if convicted.

U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the Department of Labor’s investigation of this matter. The prosecution is led by Assistant United States Attorney Rachal Cassagne.