Union embezzler sentenced to 3 years’ probation
Woman stole $180,000 to fund gambling addiction
John Diedrich | Journal Sentinel
Dec. 19, 2010
A former high-ranking official with a public employees union in Milwaukee has been sentenced to three years’ probation for embezzling $180,000 in union funds.
Paula Dorsey, former president of District Council 48 of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, also was ordered by U.S. District Judge Rudolph Randa to repay the amount she embezzled, according to federal court records.
Dorsey, who worked for almost three decades at the Milwaukee Public Library, admitted she took the money between 2004 and 2009 to finance her gambling addiction, according to a plea agreement. She faced a maximum of five years in prison. The sentencing guidelines called for about two years. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mel Johnson recommended 18 months.
Defense attorney Robin Shellow recommended probation, saying Dorsey had changed her life and was speaking to groups about gambling addiction. Shellow presented nearly 80 letters of support for Dorsey and noted she had paid back about $9,000.
Read more @ JSOnline.
