Former Philips union president pleads guilty in federal court
By MARY PERHAM THE LEADER

BATH - A former union leader at Philips Lighting has pleaded guilty to illegally receiving both workers compensation and insurance payments while off work.

Former president of the United Steelworkers of America Local 1013T William S. Drake, 48, of Avoca, pleaded guilty last Thursday in federal court to a misdemeanor charge of failure to disclose material information in a document or report.

According to charges by the state Department of Labor, between July 1, 2001 and Dec. 31, 2003, Drake submitted disability claims to the union for lost time above and beyond the compensation he received from his employer, Phillips Lighting Co., in Bath.

However, Drake's claims to the union did not report the disability insurance payments he received for the same period.

According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Bradley E. Tyler, the plea agreement pegs the excess payments at $3,497.06.

Robert Misuraca, spokesman for the local union, said Drake's guilty plea will not change the union's daily operations at Phillips or affect grievances.

"This is an unfortunate situation." Misuraca said. "It's sad for everyone that was involved. Bill's done a very, very good job and he has dealt with this with dignity."

Misuraca said the problem with the claims came to light during a random audit by the state.

"It was not intentional. He made an error," Misuraca said. "And there is no room for error with the Labor Department."

Sentencing is set for 11 a.m. Feb. 8, 2008, in Rochester by U.S. Magistrate Judge Jonathan W. Feldman. Drake faces up to one year in prison, a $10,000 fine, or both.