Ex-UAW president arraigned

Gary Jones, who resigned as president of the United Auto Workers union last year, has been arraigned on charges of conspiracy and embezzling union funds. Through his attorney, Bruce Maffeo, Jones entered a not guilty plea and was released on a $10,000 unsecured bond.

The U.S. Attorney, Matthew Schneider, has been quoted as saying the probe is not yet complete. So far charges have be brought against 14 people, with 13 guilty pleas. Schneider did not rule out a federal takeover of the union.

Following the arraignment, the union issued a statement that said, in part, “If Gary Jones is found guilty of using his high-ranking position to steal sacred dues money, it would be an unforgivable violation of his oath of office and an utter betrayal of the hard-working men and women who elected him.” It continued,

“To be clear, the organization that Jones left last fall now operates in a much different way, and the changes and new policies that have been implemented have made the UAW a better and stronger organization.”