A Florida man who was a high-ranking official at a Michigan labor union has pleaded guilty in a scheme to force union employees to pay $5,000 in kickbacks.
The government says the money was supposed to cover union election expenses. Instead, John Hamilton used it for his own benefit, including $5,000 as a wedding gift for his daughter. He appeared in Detroit federal court on Friday.
Hamilton was business manager at Operating Engineers Local 324, based in suburban Detroit. Authorities say he kept $71,000 and gave $35,000 each to two allies after losing re-election in 2012.
The 62-year-old Hamilton lives in Riviera Beach, Florida. Two other former officials have pleaded guilty, including Steve Minella, who was president.
Local 324's website says it has 14,000 members in Michigan.
