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Former UAW official sentenced to 28 months in prison for 'pay to play' scheme

UAW
UAW

Another former UAW official has been sentenced to federal prison for his role in the ongoing corruption investigation of the union.

A judge sentenced Michael Grimes to 28 months in prison. That’s longer than what prosecutors requested.

In September, Grimes pleaded guilty to taking more than $1.5 million in bribes and kickbacks while working in the UAW’s General Motors Department.

He conspired with two other high-level UAW officials – Joseph Ashton and Jeffrey Pietrzyk – in a "pay to play" scheme that started in 2006.

The money was spent on property, houses, and cosmetic surgery for a relative, among other things.

Grimes is from the Flint area, but now lives in Florida.

He's one of nearly a dozen union officials to plead guilty in the investigation.

Lauren Talley is Michigan Radio’s Morning Edition producer. She produces and edits studio interviews and feature stories, and helps manage the “Mornings in Michigan” series. Lauren also serves as the lead substitute host for Morning Edition.
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