Ex-Detroit union boss indicted for extortion and embezzlement

Of course this union boss was really in the labor racket because he wanted to support all of the working men and women in the Detroit area. Nothing more--nothing less.

From the Detroit Free Press:

The former top official of the Operating Engineers Local 324 in Detroit was indicted by a federal grand jury on Wednesday on accusations of forcing employees to pay $5,000 per year into an election fund and spending the money for his daughter's wedding, expensive auto rims and to boost his own salary.

John Hamilton, 61, of Riviera Beach, Fla., was indicted on nine separate charges of extortion, embezzlement, money laundering and conspiracy.

He is accused of forcing business agents and employees of Local 324 to contribute annually to the "Team Hamilton Slate Fund," according to the U.S. Attorney's Office in Detroit.

Hamilton threatened to fire employees who complained and did fire one employee and orchestrated the termination of a former president, authorities said. The funds were supposed to be used for union election campaign expenses. However, Hamilton used the money for meals, liquor and his daughter's wedding and a set of rims for his Cadillac DTS that cost $50,000, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.

Yep, that's right--$50,000 just for the rims on his "caddy."