Past Union Official Charged With Embezzlement: RI State Police

BURRILLVILLE, RI—Christopher G. Matteson, 33, of Harrisville, was arrested Tuesday at his home, according to state police. The former union executive director is accused of stealing more than $100,000 from the United Nurses & Allied Professions of Rhode Island. Specifically, he is charged with Embezzlement over $1,500 (felony); Forgery and Counterfeiting in General; Obtaining Money Under False Pretenses (felony); and Soliciting Another to Commit a Crime. He is due in Providence District Court later today for arraignment.

State police said the union contacted the Financial Crimes Unit and reported its suspicions about Matteson, the former executive director of the "Stepping Up" program. An investigation started in August 2017 and indicated Matteson allegedly stole about $109,000 from the union's bank account for "Stepping up." The thefts occurred between June 2016 and July 2017.

The Stepping Up program eventually collapsed, due to the loss of money, the union said. It was an "educational trust," and the purpose was job training and continuing education programs for health care workers.

Courtesy Photo: RI State Police