Former union treasurer’s plea agreement goes to judge
By NWI Times Staff
HAMMOND | Indicted Post-Tribune reporter Karen Snelling has admitted in federal court papers she embezzled $18,100 from the Gary Newspaper Guild when she was union treasurer.
In a plea agreement filed Wednesday in South Bend federal court, Snelling, 50, of Chicago, agrees to plead guilty to embezzlement. She also agrees to fully reimburse the union. The charge carries a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison.
A judge will have to accept or deny the agreement.
Snelling was indicted in September on accusations she used automated teller machines and an unauthorized stipend check to steal cash between 2004 and 2008 from the union that represents some Post-Tribune newsroom employees. She remains free on $10,000 bond that she will not have to pay if she appears at her court dates.
Union leaders have said the union will represent Snelling in any potential disciplinary action initiated by company managers.