Former Carpenters Union Leader Pleads Guilty To Racketeering

MYFOXNY.COM - Michael Forde, a former district leader for the New York Carpenters Union, pleaded guilty in Manhattan federal court to participating in a decade-long racketeering scheme.

Forde admitted that from approximately 1994 through 2004, he received cash bribes from multiple contractors. In exchange he would allow the contractors to use illegal workers and avoid paying the union union dues.

Special Agent-in-Charge for the New York Region Marjorie Franzman said, "Even though Michael Forde was entrusted with safeguarding the rights, wages, and benefits of the Carpenters Union in New York City, he violated this trust by systematically cheating union members out of their earnings.”

Forde faces up to 20 years in prison when he is sentenced in November.

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bhara stated, “Michael Forde made a career out of corruption, at the helm of one of New York City's largest unions. Instead of honorably representing union members, he sold their interests for his own enrichment. Today's guilty plea marks another milestone in this Office's long-standing commitment to root out crime from the Carpenters Union, and points the union toward a new era in its history."