Newington Union Leader Stole $37K: Feds

NEWINGTON, CT — A Newington man has been sentenced for embezzling money from a union, according to a statement from federal prosecutors. Thomas Popillo, 62, will serve two years' probation, the first six months of which will be home confinement.

From 2003 through 2017, Popillo served as the president of the Communications Workers of America Local 81266. He also was the secretary-treasurer of that union from approximately 2003 until 2015.

During that time, Popillo embezzled approximately $37,568.68 of labor union funds by receiving unauthorized checks from the union's bank account and by making unauthorized purchases with a union debit card, according to the statement.

Popillo has also been ordered by the court to make full restitution.

In August, Popillo pleaded guilty to one count of embezzlement and theft of labor union funds.

This matter was investigated by the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Labor Management Standards. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Margaret M. Donovan.