SEIU Leader Faces 180 Years For Stealing From Workers

Los Angeles, CA – SEIU leader Tyrone Freeman was found guilty on 14 counts of embezzlement, theft, and fraud. The Los Angeles union head was found guilty of stealing “tens of thousands” of dollars from the labor organization. The California union leader faces up to 180 years in jail. His sentencing hearing will take place in April.

The 43-year-old former SEIU leader was found guilty at the conclusion of a 10-day trial, according to Southern California Public Radio. Before he stepped down in 2008, Tyrone Freeman was the president of California’s largest union local.

The crimes levied against the SEIU leader reportedly occurred between early 2007 and late 2008. One of the expenses detailed during the trial includes more than $8,000 spent on Freeman’s Hawaiian wedding.

The charges against the SEIU leader grew out of an investigation launched by the Los Angeles Times. Freeman earned approximately $200,000 per year as the president of the SEIU Local 6434, according to Breitbart. The average employee represented by the labor union allegedly earned about $9 per hour. The California service employees union represents approximately 190,000 homecare workers.

The jury tasked with determining Tyrone Freeman’s guilt or innocence deliberated for two and a half days. US Attorney Andre Birotte Jr. had this to say after the verdict was read:

“This was a case about abuse and betrayal. Freeman abused his position as the leader of the SEIU, and he betrayed the hardworking people whose interests he was supposed to represent.”

Freeman was reportedly an up-and-comer in the political realm. He is credited with having carried a lot of clout both in California and Washington, DC. The former SEIU leader reportedly generated both campaign funds and “foot soldiers” for labor-friendly politicians.

Do you think former SEIU leader Tyrone Freeman should receive the maximum sentence for stealing from union workers?

[Image via KABC News]