WORCESTER — Yesterday, a Leominster man pleaded guilty in federal court in Worcester to embezzling money from a labor union.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts, Joe Scott Jr., 54, pleaded guilty to one count of embezzlement from a labor union. U.S. District Court Judge Margaret Guzman scheduled sentencing for May 1, 2026.
Prosecutors said Scott served as treasurer of the International Union of Electrical Workers, Communication Workers of America, Local 81154 (IUE-CWA Local 81154), a labor union chapter based in Gardner that represents members from various Massachusetts employers.
According to prosecutors, Scott used his position as treasurer to embezzle approximately $49,000 from IUE-CWA Local 81154 by making unauthorized debit card purchases, withdrawing funds, and issuing checks from union bank accounts for his personal benefit. Federal officials said Scott used the money for expenses including storage costs, home internet, electric, gas and cell phone services, as well as personal expenses while on vacation.
Scott was indicted by a federal grand jury in August 2024, prosecutors said.
Scott faces up to five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $10,000, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley and Jonathan Russo, district director of the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Labor-Management Standards, announced the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan O’Shea of the Worcester Branch Office is prosecuting the case.
