Just the News is reporting today that Dennis Williams, the former president of the United Auto Workers, has been charged with conspiring to embezzle money from the union for personal luxury items and travel expenses.

The article reports:

Williams, who was charged Thursday, becomes the 15th person accused of corruption in a years-long investigation into the union.

Williams, 67, served as the union’s president from 2014-2018, during which time he used union money to fund private villas in Palm Springs, top-grade cigars, golfing attire and course fees, as well as luxury dinners.

The article concludes:

Matthew Schneider, the U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan, called the case “disheartening.” He said it is the largest investigation of its kind into the misdeeds of a labor union. Schneider says he does not want the federal government to seek or gain control of the U.A.W., but that “all options are on the table.”

U.A.W.’s current union president, Rory Gamble, said in a statement, “Today’s development is a sad day for U.A.W. members.”

“Any violation of Mr. Williams’s oath of office and his responsibility to oversee our members and their sacred dues money should rightfully face criminal penalty,” continued Gamble.

Schneider said the current union leadership has been cooperative and has made positive changes that have assisted his office in the investigation.

Unfortunately, too many union members have no idea where their union dues are going. Much of the money paid as union dues goes to supporting candidates that the members of the union may not support. It is truly time to reevaluate the role of unions in our society. There was a time when they were sorely needed. This may be a time when they have gotten out of control.