New Rochelle Man Pleads Guilty in Union Fraud Case

New Rochelle resident John Earvin, former president of the United Federation of Law Enforcement Officers union, pleaded guilty Friday to a charge of wire fraud in connection with the embezzlement of close to $30,000 in union dues, announced United States Attorney Preet Bharara.

Earvin, 67, was accused of defrauding the union by diverting money from the dues account “for his own benefit, principally by making hundreds of ATM withdrawals at off-track betting facilities and other locations,” according to prosecutors. The union represents Special Inspectors employed by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority.

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Authorities said Earvin served as union president between February 2007 and April 2010, the time in which the funds were stolen.

“In perpetuating the scheme and preventing its discovery, Earvin repeatedly lied to Union members about the Account by, for example, claiming that he could not provide an accounting of funds to Union members because an independent auditor was reviewing the Union’s finances,” according to Bharara’s announcement. “As a result of the scheme, Earvin defrauded the Union and its members of approximately $28,012.”

Earvin pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. The Indictment also seeks forfeiture of crime proceeds. The maximum potential sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.

He is scheduled to be sentenced before U.S. District Judge Paul A. Engelmayer on Oct. 22.

The case is being prosecuted by the Office’s Public Corruption Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carrie H. Cohen and Jennifer Gachiri are in charge of the prosecution.