FILE - In this July 16, 2019, file photo, Gary Jones, United Auto Workers President, speaks during the opening of their contract talks with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles in Auburn Hills, Mich. Federal prosecutors have charged the former president of the United Auto Workers with corruption, Thursday, March 5, 2020, alleging he conspired with others at the union to embezzle more than $1 million. Jones quit his post in November 2019. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya, File)

Date set for guilty plea from UAW ex-president Gary Jones

DETROIT – The former president of the United Auto Workers will appear in court on March 19 to plead guilty to corruption.

The date was set Friday, a day after charges against Gary Jones were unsealed in U.S. District Court in Detroit. He’s accused of conspiring with UAW cronies to embezzle more than $1 million.

Since 2017, nine union officials and a late official’s spouse have pleaded guilty in the government’s broad investigation, which has stretched from the UAW’s coffers to a job training centre funded by Fiat Chrysler. Some officials took kickbacks from union contractors.

Jones was president for about 1 1/2 years until quitting under a cloud in November. The government said union money was spent on golf, cigars, spas, high-end lodging and liquor.

Jones’ alleged scheme goes back years to his time as the leader of a UAW regional office near St. Louis.

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