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Release Date: 03/23/2004
Release Number: 04-525-ATL
Contact Name: Gloria Della
Phone Number: 202.693.8664
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Atlanta, Georgia - The former secretary of the
Orlando-based apprenticeship and training fund of Ironworkers Union Local
808 was ordered to repay $29,547.09 she took from the fund and sentenced
to 90 days of home confinement and five years of probation. The criminal
sentence was based on an investigation conducted by the U.S. Department of
Labor’s Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA). |
“Theft
of employee benefits assets jeopardizes the lives of workers and their
families,” said Howard Marsh, director of the department’s Atlanta
EBSA regional office. “These workers covered by the training fund
deserve to have their money used for the intended purpose.” |
Donna
Cordero was sentenced in federal district court in Orlando after pleading
guilty to one count of embezzling $30,359 in assets from the fund. She was
indicted in September 2003, for embezzling the assets of an employee
benefit plan governed by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA).
Cordero allegedly carried out the criminal act by issuing herself
additional paychecks to which she was not entitled that were drawn on the
fund’s account. |
The
sentence was entered on March 15, 2004, in U.S. District Court, Middle
District of Florida, Orlando Division. The Atlanta regional office of EBSA
investigated the case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle
District of Florida prosecuted the case. |
The
apprenticeship fund covered 151 participants under a collective bargaining
agreement with sponsoring employers located throughout central Florida. |
EBSA
obtained more than $1.4 billion in record monetary results in 2003 through
strong enforcement of the law that protects pension, 401(k) and health
benefits. Employers and workers can reach the Dallas regional office at
214.767.6831 or through EBSA’s toll-free number, 1.866.444.EBSA (3272),
for help with problems relating to private-sector retirement and health
plans. |
(U.S.
v. Cordero)
Criminal No. 03-CR-202ALL |
U.S. Department of Labor
news releases are accessible on the Internet. The information in this news
release will be made available in alternate format upon request (large
print, Braille, audio tape or disc) from the Central Office for Assistive
Services and Technology. Please specify which news release when placing
your request. Call 202.693.7773 or TTY 202.693.7755. |