Feds raided home of UAW boss in corruption probe

And to think that the UAW had a reputation as one of the cleaner unions

From the Detroit News:

Federal prosecutors revealed Thursday that investigators raided the home of United Auto Workers Vice President Norwood Jewell while investigating a widespread conspiracy involving Fiat Chrysler and the union.

The raid happened Nov. 3 at a home on the 2200 block of Macscott Court in Swartz Creek, according to a sealed federal court filing. It is unclear exactly what was seized during the search but is another indication linking Jewell to the ongoing corruption investigation that has netted charges against seven people.

Jewell, 60, the former head of the union’s Fiat Chrysler department, has not been charged with a crime but his name has repeatedly surfaced during an investigation focused on a conspiracy involving Fiat Chrysler executives funneling illegal payments and benefits to UAW leaders. The money is funneled through the UAW-Chrysler National Training Center under a policy created by the auto company’s officials to keep UAW leaders “fat, dumb and happy” and wring concessions favoring the automaker, according to the government.

In August 2014, Fiat Chrysler executive Alphons Iacobelli approved spending more than $30,000 in worker training funds on a party for Jewell, a bash that included "ultra-premium" liquor and strolling models who lit labor leaders' cigars. The expenses were paid for by the national training center with Fiat Chrysler funds, which covered the $7,000 cigar purchase and a $3,000 tab for wine bottles with custom labels that featured Jewell’s name, sources told The News.

Jewell also received a $2,180 shotgun paid for from a fund that was to benefit UAW members. He later reimbursed the union.