DETROIT Federal prosecutors Thursday charged Gary Jones with stealing greater than $1 million from the UAW membership he pledged to function president, an unprecedented abuse-of-power allegation for a union that has fought for employees rights all through its 84-year-history.

Jones turns into the 14th particular person charged in reference to the years-long corruption probe that has uncovered a wide-ranging conspiracy to steal union funds and spend them on costly champagne, cigars, golf golf equipment and different luxuries. The scandal has snared two retired vice presidents along with a onetime prime negotiator at Fiat Chrysler Cars.

“As an alternative of that money and property going to assist the women and men of the union, Mr. Jones spent it on his personal private enjoyment and on the whims of different excessive rating union officers,” U.S. Legal professional Matthew Schneider mentioned in a press convention, noting Jones and others purchased  â€œgadgets that employees of the UAW might scarcely afford.” 

Jones was charged...