LANCASTER, PA — Susan E. Miller, a former union treasurer for the American Postal Workers Union Local 95 in Manheim Township, has been sentenced to four years of probation after pleading guilty to embezzling over $74,000 in union funds.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Miller admitted to one count each of embezzling labor union assets, falsifying a union annual report, and falsifying union financial records. Her guilty plea was entered in March, with sentencing taking place on September 15.
Investigators found that between 2019 and December 2022, Miller used her position as treasurer to steal union funds by cashing over 130 unauthorized checks and conducting 128 personal transactions on a union credit card. In total, she misappropriated $74,259.68, manipulating union financial documents to conceal the theft.
Miller had served as treasurer for more than a decade, overseeing finances for a union representing around 300 postal workers in the Lancaster area. Her actions left a lasting impact on Local 95.
“She stole from pretty much every one of our members,” said union president Donna Welch. “Now, we’re doing what we can to earn back their trust.”
Welch noted that at least five members left the union following the discovery, and others expressed doubts about the union’s integrity. New financial safeguards have since been put in place.
As part of her sentence, Miller must complete 100 hours of community service and pay restitution. She has already repaid $34,159 and must pay an additional $40,100, which will go toward reimbursing the union’s bond company. Union members have been fully compensated.
In a statement, Kevin Smallwood, Director of the Department of Labor’s Office of Labor-Management Standards, said:
“Susan Miller’s coworkers placed her in a position of trust… Instead, by embezzling from her own coworkers, she treated the union as a personal piggy bank.”
Miller is also barred from holding union office or employment for 13 years, closing a chapter on a case that has shaken local union confidence.
