NORFOLK: The business agent for one of six dockworker union offices in the Port of Virginia has resigned after an internal audit found an “unauthorized and previously undisclosed account.” Thomas Little, spokesman for International Longshoremen’s Association in Hampton Roads, confirmed Tuesday that business agent-financial secretary of ILA’s Local 970 Robert Smith III has resigned after the audit found that “union funds were deposited and withdrawn allegedly for non-union purposes.” The account was discovered within the past week, and Norfolk police are investigating.
“The International Longshoremen’s Association has strict guidelines pertaining to the handling of its member’s funds. However, due to the investigations, I can not further comment,” Little told 13News Now.
U.S. Department of Labor spokeswoman Joanna Hawkins says ILA Local 970 is required to file annual financial reports, but hasn’t done so for 10 years. Little says Smith will be removed from other positions he holds within the ILA. Virginia Beach attorney Larry Woodward confirmed he has been retained by Bobby Smith as part of an ongoing investigation.
