Former Ironworkers Treasurer Pleads Guilty To Stealing Union Funds

CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051

BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Scott Russell Merritt, 40, of Celoron, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. to theft from a labor union. The charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo, who is handling the case, stated that between May 2011, and August 2018, the defendant was the treasurer of Ironworkers Local 470. As treasurer, Merritt embezzled $50,850.71 in union funds. The defendant wrote union checks to pay various personal expenses.  

The plea is the result of an investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Labor Management Standards, under the direction of the Boston-Buffalo District Director Jonathan Russo.

Sentencing is scheduled for August 18, 2021, at 2:00 p.m. before Judge Sinatra.

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