Ex-union chief in Lafayette indicted on embezzlement counts

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (AP) - A federal grand jury has indicted a former local union official on six counts alleging he embezzled more than $100,000.

The grand jury indicted Michael R. Bennett on three counts each of wire fraud and theft of labor union assets while he was president of United Auto Workers Local 2317 in Lafayette over five years ending last December. The local represents more than 700 employees at Fairfield Manufacturing.

The indictment returned last week alleges Bennett made out more than 170 union checks totaling more than $70,000 to himself and forged the signature of the local's treasurer. He also allegedly rented out the union hall to other parties and did not report the revenue.

Federal court records did not list an attorney who might comment on his behalf.