The Tigers are back at Comerica Park to take on the Boston Red Sox on Opening Day in Detroit.

Former United Auto Workers (UAW) regional director Vance Pearson has been sentenced to 12 months in prison.

Former United Auto Workers president Gary Jones was sentenced to 28 months in prison for scheming to embezzle hundreds of thousands of dollars in union dues.

Former United Auto Workers (UAW) president Gary Jones as has been sentenced to 28 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to stealing from the union he’d served for 45 years.

Dennis Williams is the latest senior leader at the UAW to plead guilty in the government’s investigation of corruption in the union’s upper ranks. The probe has resulted in the convictions of 11 people, including another former president, Gary Jones, plus a late official’s spouse. But I deliberately looked away.”More than $22,000 in union money was used to rent a villa for Williams for a four-month period in 2016-17, the government said. Williams “put his personal and self-interest above that of our members and this union,” the UAW said Wednesday. Jones, who was president for about 18 months, pleaded guilty in June.

SOUTHFIELD, Mich. Labor Day is usually a day for the United Auto Workers union to flex its muscles as one of the largest labor unions in the country, but with the ongoing corruption scandal and the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, this year is very different. This year, the UAW is facing a crossroads on Labor Day. RELATED: Ex-UAW President Gary Jones pleads guilty in corruption caseThe traditional Labor Day Parade didnt happen Monday because the virus forced a cancelation. The UAW is going to close the National Training Center in Warren and one in Kokomo, Indiana. The union negotiated the closures in the UAW national contract last year as part of the federal investigation.

Dennis Williams is the 15th person to be charged in an investigation of the senior ranks of the venerable labor union. He retired as UAW president in 2018, handing the reins to Gary Jones, who was promoted to the top job from the union's St. Louis-area regional office. More than $22,000 in union money was used to rent a villa for Williams for a four-month period in 2016-17, the charging document states. Ten union officials and a late officials spouse have pleaded guilty since 2017, although not all the crimes were connected. In June, current UAW President Rory Gamble met with Schneider to discuss an independent monitor to oversee the union.

Dennis Williams is the 15th person to be charged in an investigation of the senior ranks of the venerable labor union. He retired as UAW president in 2018, handing the reins to Gary Jones, who was promoted to the top job from the union's St. Louis-area regional office. More than $22,000 in union money was used to rent a villa for Williams for a four-month period in 2016-17, the charging document states. Ten union officials and a late officials spouse have pleaded guilty since 2017, although not all the crimes were connected. In June, current UAW President Rory Gamble met with Schneider to discuss an independent monitor to oversee the union.

Former UAW president Dennis Williams rose to prominence within the union, starting as secretary-treasurer in 2013. He is the 15th person charged the UAW corruption investigation -- a list that includes former president Gary Jones. RELATED: Ex-UAW President Gary Jones pleads guilty in corruption caseIt was a year ago that the FBI raided Jones home in Canton and went into Williams home in California. Williams allegedly had taken more that $71,000 in union money. Jones was Williams choice and though he was elected it was baked into the cake before any convention.

DETROIT Members of the United Auto Workers met with federal prosecutors on Tuesday in the first step to bring reform to the union. The meeting was between U.S. Attorney Matthew Schneider and UAW President Rory Gamble. During the meeting, Gamble and UAW representatives detailed reform measures that Gamble and the International Executive Board put in place for the union. READ: Former UAW President Gary Jones pleads guilty, faces up to 57 months in prisonThe Justice Department seeks genuine and sincere reform of the UAW so as to provide the best possible representation for its members, said United States Attorney Matthew Schneider. Todays discussion was productive and both the U.S. Attorney and I have the same goal for the UAW International Union.

DETROIT A federal prosecutor and the United Auto Workers president are looking at using an independent monitor to make sure that a wide-ranging union corruption scandal never happens again. The monitor was one option discussed during a two-hour meeting Tuesday between UAW President Rory Gamble and Matthew Schneider, the U.S. Attorney in Detroit, according to a joint statement. Ten union officials have pleaded guilty in the scandal, with some spending thousands in union money for golf, lodging and fancy meals. An independent monitor would give union members the assurance of reforms so as to reduce the possibility of a recurrence of corruption, the statement said. Among the union officials to plead guilty is former President Gary Jones, who was accused of conspiring with UAW cronies to embezzle more than $1 million.

DETROIT The United Automobile Workers is preparing for an important negotiation. US Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan, Matthew Schneider, has agreed to talk with UAW President Rory Gamble about changes that can be made pertaining to corruption. In a joint statement released Monday Schneider said, "I look forward to working with president Gamble to achieve what I hope will be a joint effort to resolve some of the serious issues. One of the concerns is the disposition of a cabin at the UAWs Black Lake property built for former president Dennis Williams. RELATED: Ex-UAW President Gary Jones pleads guilty in corruption case

FILE - In this March 11, 2019 file photo, Gary Jones, president of the United Auto Workers union addresses delegates to the union's bargaining convention in Detroit. An expected guilty plea to corruption charges by former United Auto Workers President Gary Jones has been delayed due to the coronavirus and traveling concerns. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio, File)DETROIT The head of the United Auto Workers will meet this month with the U.S. attorney in Detroit to discuss potential changes for the union following a wide-ranging corruption probe. Ten union officials and a late officials spouse have pleaded guilty since 2017, including former President Gary Jones. In a joint statement Monday, the union and Schneider said current UAW President Rory Gamble will meet with Schneider June 30 in Detroit to start negotiations on changes for the union.

For the first time, a former UAW president has plead guilty to federal crimes.

DETROIT Former UAW President Gary Jones has plead guilty in a federal corruption probe and has agreed to serve up to 57 months in prison as a part of the plea deal. Gary Jones, 63, of Texas, pled guilty to one count of conspiring to embezzle UAW dues money and conspiring to use a facility of interstate commerce to aid racketeering crimes between 2010 and September 2019. Besides conspiring with other UAW officials to embezzle UAW funds, Jones pled guilty to conspiring with UAW officials to defraud the United States by impeding the Internal Revenue Service in the collection of taxes from Jones and other UAW officials. As part of his guilty plea, Jones has agreed to forfeit his interest in $81,000 in a UAW Region 5 flower fund, as well as $38,000 from Jones Members in Solidarity account. Jones also agreed to forfeit a set of Titleist golf clubs seized when federal agents executed a search warrant at Jones home in August 2019.

Ex-UAW President Gary Jones to be chargedPublished: May 14, 2020, 12:27 pmFormer United Auto Workers President Gary Jones will face a Federal Judge Thursday for his role in the corruption scandal.

UAW regional director Vance Pearson steps down after embezzlement chargesPublished: November 25, 2019, 7:31 amPearson was the director of a region in Missouri and was considered former UAW president Gary Jones' right-hand man.

The UAW Board of Directors approved President Gary Jones leave of absence earlier this month. Now, Local 4 has learned, some board members are looking to make it a permanent leave for Jones and his indicted right-hand man, Vance Pearson, from the union. Looking at the UAW constitution, the board members intend to use whats referred to as Article 30. When their homes were raided, Jones and Pearson both sat on the UAW executive board. The rarely used mechanism requires five board members to agree to sign a charging document and send it to the UAW secretary treasurer.

DETROIT – The United Auto Workers union is launching what it calls “widespread ethics reforms” amid a federal investigation into fraud and misuse of funds. Here’s the list of reforms announced Wednesday:The establishment of an Ethics Ombudsman to receive, review and respond to ethics complaints and allegations. The banning of all charitable contributions from UAW joint program centers, vendors, or employers to any charities run or controlled by UAW officials. Finally, UAW will set up an Ethics Hotline to encourage those who may have concerns about or want to report potential ethics violations. DETROIT, MI - JULY 16: United Auto Workers President Gary Jones speaks at the opening of open the 2019 GM-UAW contract talks where the traditional ceremonial handshake takes place on July 16, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan.

DETROIT As the United Automobile Workers deal with an embezzlement scandal sending more officers to prison and negotiate national contracts, Rory Gamble has taken over as the new president. Local 4 Business Editor Rod Meloni got an exclusive first interview with Gamble to hear what he had to say about the problems facing the union and his plans to solve them. In July, Gamble walked into the UAW Ford handshake ceremony next to then-president Jones as the UAW Ford vice president. On Tuesday, he separated Jones from the 10 UAW leaders who have been sent to prison because Jones hasnt been charged. Gamble told Local 4 he took the presidents job under a condition that the UAW board allow him to make the necessary tough accounting and financial control changes he deems necessary.

At 2 a.m. local time Sunday, standard time returned across most of the United States, accompanied by the welcome one-night extra hour of sleep. Large crowds are expected to attend the public visitation for former longtime Michigan Rep. John Conyers at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History Sunday. United Auto Workers President Gary Jones asked for a leave of absence Saturday during an emergency meeting held by the United Auto Workers International Board. Weather: Partly sunny, chilly Sunday before more rain and polar blastWe’ll get a break from Saturday’s rough weather. Raindrops and snowflakes return with a big drop in temperatures at the end of this week.

DETROIT – United Auto Workers President Gary Jones asked for a leave of absence Saturday during an emergency meeting held by the United Auto Workers International Board. READ: UAW President Gary Jones announces leave of absence, Rory Gamble to serve as interim presidentIt’s a major shakeup for the UAW as negotiations are set to begin Monday with Fiat Chrysler. He is being replaced by UAW vice president Rory Gamble. "The next thing for the UAW to do is set aside this Gary Jones incident.”That plan is already in motion. "That’s what they get with Rory Gamble.”The board voted Gamble as the interim UAW president.

Fallout as UAW president steps aside amid scandalPublished: November 2, 2019, 11:13 pmGary Jones is taking a leave of absence as president of the UAW over an embezzlement scandal. Rory Gamble will take over as president.

Gary Jones announced he is taking a leave of absence as UAW president after a scandal. If you need help with the Public File, call (313) 222-0566.

The board voted Rory Gamble as the interim UAW president effective Monday. He was elected a vice president of the UAW in June 2018, at the union’s 37th Constitutional Convention in Detroit, according to the UAW. Rory Gamble. Vice President Rory Gamble, who recently negotiated the Ford agreement, will serve as acting president and assume full responsibility for the president’s office. I spoke this morning with President Rory to congratulate him on behalf of the legacy of my father.

DETROIT, MI The United Auto Workers announced Saturday that President Gary Jones is taking a paid leave of absence amid a federal investigation of corruption within the union. The UAW said Jones requested the leave, which is effective Sunday. UAW Vice President Rory Gamble will serve as acting president. Union members are scheduled to begin voting Monday on a proposed contract with Ford Motor Co., which Gamble helped negotiate. Ten people have been convicted so far, including union leaders and auto company officials.

Many UAW members are back to work for the first time in more than 40 days after ratifying a deal with General Motors Friday. Next, the UAW will open contract talks with Ford, reported to begin as early as this morning. UAW President Gary Jones announced Friday that the union with now proceed with pattern bargaining at Ford. "Now that the General Motors strike has ended and the agreement has been ratified, we will proceed to Ford, working with UAW Vice President Rory Gamble, Director of the UAW Ford Department and their staff," Jones said. "We can confirm the UAW today notified Ford it plans to negotiate with us next," a Ford spokesperson said.

Many UAW members are back to work for the first time in more than 40 days after ratifying a deal with General Motors Friday. Next, the UAW will open contract talks with Ford, reported to begin as early as this morning. UAW President Gary Jones announced Friday that the union with now proceed with pattern bargaining at Ford. "Now that the General Motors strike has ended and the agreement has been ratified, we will proceed to Ford, working with UAW Vice President Rory Gamble, Director of the UAW Ford Department and their staff," Jones said. "We can confirm the UAW today notified Ford it plans to negotiate with us next," a Ford spokesperson said.

(WDIV)DETROIT - Officials with the United Automobile Workers union have weighed in on a proposed tentative agreement with General Motors. The two sides announced the proposed tentative agreement Wednesday -- the 31st day of negotiations during the workers' strike. UAW VP Terry DittiesHere's what UAW Vice President Terry Ditties, the director of the UAW GM Department, said in a statement about the proposed tentative agreement:"The No. What's nextThe strike will continue until the UAW GM National Council votes to approve the proposed tentative agreement, officials said. The national strike against GM began on Sept. 15 and, by the next day, nearly 50,000 union members had stopped reporting to work.

DETROIT - Striking General Motors workers will get an additional $25 a week and can now work part-time during the strike. LATEST UPDATE: Automaker continues looking over union's counterofferThe United Auto Workers International Executive Board voted Saturday to increase the strike pay to $275, effective Sunday. The strike pay was set to increase Jan. 1, 2020. Before the decision to let employees work part-time, those who worked and exceeded the $250 strike pay would not receive that pay. "UAW members and their families are sacrificing for all of us," said Gary Jones, UAW president.

After a meeting between GM CEO Mary Barra and UAW officials, we are waiting to see if this strike that's in day 25 will finally end with a deal. Barra visited the negotiation room at the Renaissance Center and spoke face-to-face with UAW President Gary Jones and UAW-GM Vice President Terry Dittes for about an hour this week. More local headlinesFor more Local News head to ClickOnDetroit.com/news/local. National headlinesFor more National News headlines, head to ClickOnDetroit.com/news/national. Submit a news tipTell us what's happening in your community -- submit a news tip to Local 4 and ClickOnDetroit right here.

DETROIT - General Motors CEO Mary Barra requested United Automobile Workers committees resolve their issues and provide a "comprehensive proposal" during a meeting Wednesday, according to UAW-GM Vice President Terry Ditttes. "During this meeting, GM CEO Mary Barra requested all committees work to resolve their open issues simultaneously so the company could receive a comprehensive proposal from the union. We agreed with that request and those open committees have been meeting since then and are yet to be concluded," reads the letter. Union leaders said GM is showing a lack of job security for its American workers during contract negotiations. More UAW-GM strike coverage:Follow updates here:Copyright 2019 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved.

General Motors company CEO Mary Barra called United Auto Workers union President Gary Jones and Vice President Terry Dittes for a face-to-face meeting -- their first since the strike began, according to three sources familiar with the meeting. DETROIT - On the 24th day of the strike against General Motors, company CEO Mary Barra called United Auto Workers union President Gary Jones and Vice President Terry Dittes for a face-to-face meeting their first since the strike began, according to three sources familiar with the meeting. Other sources familiar with the meeting could not confirm discussion of the company's credit rating. Shares of GM closed slightly higher Thursday but are still down 11% since the start of the strike. Negotiations between GM and the union stalled over the weekend after the auto company rejected the union's latest contract proposal.

DETROIT - General Motors CEO Mary Barra sat down with United Automobile Workers leaders on Wednesday, a potential sign of progress during the GM-UAW strike. Barra visited the negotiation room at the Renaissance Center and spoke face to face with UAW President Gary Jones and UAW-GM Vice President Terry Dittes for about an hour. The strike began on Sept. 15 and, by the next day, nearly 50,000 union members had stopped reporting to work. The strike has resulted in the shutting down of 33 manufacturing plants and 22 part distribution facilities nationwide. More UAW-GM strike coverage:Follow updates here:Copyright 2019 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved.

Then the union opted for a national strike instead of targeting individual, crucial plants. There has traditionally been a gentleman's agreement during a strike, the company pays union member health care benefits until the end of the month. [The health care plan by-the-way, is considered among the best in the nation]. He was looking to confirm his words about health care to his membership. The union strike fund is estimated to have just under $1 billion, built up through union dues over the past dozen years.

DETROIT - It's been more than a decade since the UAW felt the need to strike GM and take the entire company down. UAW President Gary Jones has not taken a single question from the media during his presidency. It had already announced its leadership strike vote meeting and press conference to announce the strike Saturday afternoon. So, Sunday morning after the UAW made its national headlines with a strike announcement carried coast to coast, GM broke with tradition. She added anything can happen but the company is incentivized to move things along: "A really long strike hurts everyone.

Read: UAW strike against GM: What we knowThis is the nation's first auto strike in more than a decade. Nearly 50,000 UAW workers are going on strike at midnight. Members who picket will be paid $250 a week.Workers are preparing by organizing picket schedules and food and water deliveries. Embattled UAW President Gary Jones did not announce the strike, nor did he speak with the media. "President Jones has said we do not take this lightly," Dittes said.

Read: UAW strike against GM: What we knowAt a 10 a.m. meeting, the UAW-GM leadership unanimously voted to approve a national strike against General Motors. The last time The UAW green lighted a national strike was September 24th 2007. It is a message many of the union faithful have been dying to hear. Today, no doubt, GM wants to connect a national strike coming at the same time there is the specter of criminal wrongdoing. It's important to point out here the last national strike in 2007 lasted a mere 17 hours.

DETROIT - The clock is ticking down on the United Auto Workers union's national contract. Related: UAW extends contracts with Ford, FCA; GM talks continueA recent union scandal could impact the negotiations. Related: UAW official Vance Pearson, others, accused of embezzling thousandsThe 40-page complaint focuses on union corruption. One of Jones' closest allies and his successor in UAW Region 5, Vance Pearson, was arrested and charged with embezzlement, wire fraud and money laundering, among others. The UAW could extend the negotiations, call for a strike or negotiate a lead contract with either FCA or Ford on Saturday.

It could further damage the necessary trust that rank and file union members have in the union's leadership during negotiations. The scandal involves misappropriation of union funds, and in some cases, union officials accepting bribes from officials at one of the automakers, Fiat Chrysler. On Thursday a top union official, Vance Pearson, became the first active union official to be indicted in the scandal. If there is a strike, it would be the first since GM and Chrysler workers walked out in 2007. GM wouldn't comment on whether or not it believes the union scandal will affect its negotiations.

DETROIT - Here's what is coming up on Local 4 News at 5:Child struck, killedA 17-month-old girl was struck by her mother's car and killed Tuesday in their driveway on Detroit's west side, police said. Hurricane DorianPeople along the east coast are still preparing for Hurricane Dorian. Father killedFriends and family are heartbroken after a father of nine was fatally shot on Detroit's east side. UAW strikeUnited Autoworkers (UAW) President Gary Jones announced Tuesday that the UAW has decided to proceed on bargaining with GM. Task forceThe members of Michigan Task Force One are staging to respond in the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian.

Metro Detroit weather: Storms possibleThe warmest day of the week lies ahead, and it could all come to a very stormy end. UAW selects GM to begin contract negotiationsUnited Autoworkers President Gary Jones announced Tuesday that the UAW has decided to proceed on bargaining with GM. Man in custody after face-off with police in RosevilleAn investigation underway Tuesday morning in Roseville after reports of gunfire overnight. Police responded to a disturbance call at a home on Masonic Street between Gratiot Avenue and Kelly Road. Copyright 2019 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved.

Metro Detroit weather: Storms possibleThe warmest day of the week lies ahead, and it could all come to a very stormy end. UAW selects GM to begin contract negotiationsUnited Autoworkers President Gary Jones announced Tuesday that the UAW has decided to proceed on bargaining with GM. Man in custody after face-off with police in RosevilleAn investigation underway Tuesday morning in Roseville after reports of gunfire overnight. Police responded to a disturbance call at a home on Masonic Street between Gratiot Avenue and Kelly Road. Copyright 2019 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved.

DETROIT - United Autoworkers (UAW) President Gary Jones announced Tuesday that the UAW has decided to proceed on bargaining with GM. We are ready to stand strong for our future," said Jones in a news released. UAW GM local unions have all voted and sent a national bargaining team supported by the UAW International Union and their UAW GM Department. We are prepared and we are all ready to stand up for our members, our communities and our manufacturing future," said Jones. Read more: UAW releases Detroit automakers strike authorization totalsCopyright 2019 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved.

DETROIT - The United Auto Workers union (UAW) announced Tuesday the total votes for strike authorization of the Detroit "Big 3" automakers. The UAW Constitution requires members to vote and give authorization in order to strike if necessary. It gives authority to the UAW International President and International Executive Board to call for a strike. Locals have also elected National Bargaining Representatives as part of the national bargaining team. But it is a key tool in the toolbelt as our bargaining team sits across from the company, said Gary Jones, UAW President.

DETROIT - A Labor Day tradition promoting solidarity drew protests from UAW workers amid a wave of scandals. Thousands of union workers gathered Monday in Downtown Detroit, as they've done for decades to celebrate organized labor. The scene angered Brian Keller, a UAW member who led a protest in the parade. "We feel we have a right to speak out against the corruption in our union," Keller said. This Labor Day -- it's a time to celebrate, time for all of us to recognize the hard work everybody's doing -- UAW members.

DETROIT - Some United Automobile Workers are planning to protest during the Labor Day parade in Detroit. The protests are a response to the recent FBI raid on UAW president Gary Jones' home in Canton Township. RELATED: FBI raids Canton Township home of UAW president in connection with corruption scandalAgents also raided former UAW president Dennis Williams' home in Los Angeles, a St. Louis UAW hall and a home Jones had in St. Louis, where he worked before Detroit. UAW member and activist Brian Keller said Monday's planned Labor Day protest is about standing up for rank-and-file workers. He said some members are too scared to speak out as the corruption scandal continues to grow.

Weather should be nice at Michigan Stadium tonight, too! Plus, Northern Lights could be visible in Michigan this weekend: Here's how to see them. Local events happening today:Arts, Beats & Eats Detroit Jazz Festival Romeo Peach Festival Hamtramck Labor Day Festival Michigan State Fair Erykah Badu at Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre Detroit Tigers vs. SPONSOREDHear ye, hear ye! This year's festival runs weekends and Labor Day, Aug. 17 to Sept. 29.

The years-long probe has already led to charges against nine people with ties to the union and Fiat Chrysler. "The UAW and President Gary Jones have always fully cooperated with the government investigators in this matter," the statement said. "President Jones is determined to uncover and address any and all wrongdoing, wherever it might lead. UAW Vice President Norwood Jewell, who once headed negotiations with Fiat Chrysler, pleaded guilty in April to accepting, arranging and approving illegal payments from Fiat Chrysler executives to high-level union officials. Fiat Chrysler Vice President for Employee Relations Alphons Iacobelli also pleaded guilty in the conspiracy, as did six others.

Officials discover pornographic ads selling two missing teenage girls for sexTwo missing teenage girls were rescued after authorities found at least four vulgar and pornographic online advertisements selling them for sex throughout Wayne and Macomb counties, police said. On July 10, the FBI Detroit Southeast Michigan Trafficking Exploitation Crimes Task Force started investigating the disappearance of two teenage girls -- ages 15 and 17. Money is missing from an Oakland County country club scholarship fund set aside for caddies. LEARN MOREHeroin in cereal murderProsecutors said a man put heroin in his wife's cereal and milk, killing her. Tweets by Local4NewsCopyright 2019 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved.

CANTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. - FBI agents raided the home of United Auto Workers President Gary Jones in Canton Township on Wednesday in connection with a corruption scandal. Agents also raided former UAW president Dennis Williams' home in Los Angeles, a St. Louis UAW hall and a home Jones had in St. Louis, where he worked before Detroit. Here is a statement from UAW officials on their cooperation with the investigation:"The UAW and President Gary Jones have always fully cooperated with the government investigators in this matter. As the leader of the UAW, President Jones is determined to uncover and address any and all wrongdoing, wherever it might lead. The sole focus of President Jones and his team will be winning at the bargaining table for our members."

FBI agents raided the home of United Auto Workers President Gary Jones in Canton Township on Wednesday in connection with a corruption scandal. Copyright 2019 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved.

CANTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. - FBI agents are raiding the home of United Auto Workers President Gary Jones in Canton Township. Here is a statement from UAW officials on their cooperation with the investigation:"The UAW and President Gary Jones have always fully cooperated with the government investigators in this matter. As the leader of the UAW, President Jones is determined to uncover and address any and all wrongdoing, wherever it might lead. The UAW will continue to cooperate with the government in its investigation, as we have been doing throughout. The sole focus of President Jones and his team will be winning at the bargaining table for our members."

WARREN, Mich. - Former UAW vice president Norwood Jewell with conspiracy to violate federal labor laws. It centers around the UAW-Chrysler National Training Center (NTC) in Warren, where workers go to learn the craft. The conspiracy allegedly started back in 2009 with former Chrysler-UAW vice president General Holiefield allegedly running it. New information released Monday says Norwood stepped into the office of the vice president and right into this conspiracy. UAW President Gary Jones spoke about this last week.