Ex-Somerville union official indicted, accused of spending $65K at go-go bars

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.mycentraljersey.com/article/20090619/NEWS/906190370/1010/newsfront/Ex-aide+in+Somerville-based+carpenter+s+union+indicted+on+embezzlement+charges

By MARTIN C. BRICKETTO • STAFF WRITER • June 19, 2009

SOMERSET COUNTY — A former local union official has been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges that he embezzled more than $85,000 using a union credit card, including 450 separate charges at 14 gentlemen's clubs totaling more than $65,000.

Branchburg resident Shawn Clark, 44, had been a business representative with the New Jersey Regional Council of Carpenters and was the de facto business manager of Somerville-based Local 455 of the International Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners, according to the office of Acting U.S. Attorney Ralph J. Marra Jr. The local represents carpenters in Somerset and Hunterdon counties.

Clark's attorney, John Fahy, said Friday that his client will plead not guilty and all of the charges on the credit card were business related.

"This cloud has been hanging over him for the past two years," Fahy said. "He is looking forward to bringing it to trial."

Clark was fired from the regional council in June 2008 was expelled by the International Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners in January and fined $50,000. Clark is also a member of the board of trustees at Raritan Valley Community College. He was reappointed to that position by Gov. Jon Corzine on June 12. However, Corzine Spokesman Robert Corrales said Friday that the governor would be asking for Clark's resignation.

FULL story at link.

[havocmom]

1. Steve, we are gonna have to 'splain to the kids what a Go-Go Bar is

;)