Former UMW secretary arrested for allegedly buying personal items with business credit card

By WKTV News

Story Created: Nov 3, 2009 at 2:13 PM EST

Story Updated: Nov 3, 2009 at 4:12 PM EST

ILION, N.Y. (WKTV) - Ilion Police have arrested the former financial secretary of the United Mine Workers after they say he made nearly $1,800 in personal purchases using a UMW credit card.

Authorities have charged Raymond Watson, 55, with one count of Grand Larceny in the fourth degree (Class E Felony) . He was arraigned in Village of Ilion Court and released.

The arrest follows a routine audit performed by the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Management Standards into the finances of the United Mine Workers of America Local # 717 based in Ilion.

Watson served as financial secretary from April 2006 through April 2009.

The alleged charge stems from unauthorized personal purchases to include beer, gas and cigarettes using a credit card issued to him through the Union for business purposes.

The total amount of the purchases was approximately $1758.81. The investigation was conducted by a Federal Labor Investigator and then they were assisted by the Village of Ilion Police.

The investigation is not complete and Investigators state there is a good possibility of additional charges.
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