Newington Man Who Embezzled Union Funds is Sentenced

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that THOMAS POPILLO, 62, of Newington, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to two years of probation, the first six months of which Popillo must serve in home confinement, for embezzling from the Communications Workers of America Local 81266.

According to court documents and statements made in court, from 2003 through 2017, Popillo served as the president of the Communications Workers of America Local 81266 (“CWA 81266”).  He also served as the secretary-treasurer of CWA 81266 from approximately 2003 until 2015.  During his tenure as a CWA 81266 officer, Popillo embezzled approximately $37,568.68 of labor union funds by receiving unauthorized checks from CWA 81266’s bank account, and by making unauthorized purchases with CWA 81266’s debit card.

Judge Bolden ordered Popillo to make full restitution.

On August 7, 2019, Popillo pleaded guilty to one count of embezzlement and theft of labor union funds. 

This matter was investigated by the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Labor Management Standards.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Margaret M. Donovan.