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First Posted: 1/24/2014
The former head of the Wyoming Area teachers’ union was sentenced Friday to 1 year in prison for embezzling more than $30,000 in union funds.
Lisa Barrett, 48, of Shavertown, was sentenced by Senior United States District Court Judge James M. Munley in federal court on one charge of embezzlement of funds from a labor organization.
She admitted the crime and worked out a plea deal with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania.
A high school career technology teacher, Barrett resigned her position as president of the Wyoming Area Education Association and requested a sabbatical from her job in February of 2013. At that time, Luzerne County District Attorney Stephanie Salavantis confirmed her office was investigating reports of missing funds.
Barrett admitted to using labor union funds to her own use from 2006 to 2012. She has made restitution to the union.
In addition to the prison term, Munley also ordered that Barrett be supervised by a probation officer for two years following her prison term.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert J. O’Hara.