Feds accuse former Boilermakers business manager of embezzling $1.5 million

A former International Association of Boilermakers business manager has been charged by federal authorities with embezzling $1.5 million from the labor union.

Raymond C. Ventrone, 59, of Pittsburgh is accused of embezzling the union funds and evading paying income taxes on money, according to a statement from acting U.S. Attorney Soo C. Song in Pittsburgh.

Ventrone was the business manager of Boilermakers Local 154 from January 2010 to June 2015. He is charged with one count of embezzlement and theft of labor union assets and five counts of income tax evasion.

An attorney for Ventrone could not be determined, and he could not be reached for comment late Monday.

If convicted, Ventrone could face 30 years in federal prison and a fine of $1.5 million.

The FBI, the IRS, the Department of Labor and the Office of Labor Management Standards conducted the investigation leading to Ventrone's arrest.

Emily Balser is a Tribune-Review staff writer. Reach her at 724-226-4680, emilybalser@tribweb.com or on Twitter @emilybalser.