DETROIT (AP) - A former United Auto Workers union official who received bribes and kickbacks from a vendor has been sentenced to 28 months in prison.
Mike Grimes of Fort Myers, Florida was accused of receiving more than $1.5 million in bribes, including $10,000 worth of cosmetic surgery for a relative while working at a UAW-General Motors training center. Grimes, 66, pleaded guilty in September to money laundering and conspiracy charges.
The sentence imposed Tuesday by U.S. District Judge Bernard Friedman is longer than the two years sought by prosecutors. During his sentencing, Grimes apologized to UAW members and his family, acknowledging he "got into something I shouldn't have."
Grimes is the first of three convicted UAW leaders to be sentenced for their roles in a bribery and kickback scheme involving rigged bids, union vendors and contracts for watches, backpacks and other promotional merchandise.
Among those awaiting sentencing is former UAW vice president Joe Ashton, who served on the board of General Motors Co. and is the highest-ranking person convicted of a crime during a years-long investigation of auto industry corruption.
Published: Fri, Feb 21, 2020
