WASHINGTON (AP) — A partner with an accounting firm specializing in organized labor pleaded guilty Thursday in federal court to helping leaders of the iron workers international union hide $1.5 million in entertainment and dining expenses on annual disclosure reports to the Labor Department.
Frank J. Massey, 50, a certified public accountant and partner in the Washington offices of accounting firm Thomas Havey LLP, agreed to cooperate with the government in its criminal investigation of embezzlement and fraud at the International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers. The union has about 140,000 members.
Investigators say Massey's cooperation could widen the investigation to include other unions. Thomas Havey is the auditor for more than 700 union-bargained benefit plans and Massey worked with a number of international unions based in Washington.
Thomas Havey issued a statement Thursday night saying: "Our firm deeply regrets any harm resulting from the actions taken by our former partner Mr. Massey that led to his guilty plea today. His conduct is clearly unacceptable and completely deviates from the values and code of conduct at Thomas Havey LLP."