In February 2015, leadership from the I.A.A.F. Local F0105 Union on Fort Drum reported to the State Police in Watertown their suspicion that Union Representative Ronald G. Watson had stolen union funds amounting to approximately $30,000.
This investigation was originally reported to the U.S. Department of Labor, and at some subsequent time, the Federal Prosecutor declined to prosecute this matter as the financial loss did not exceed their prerequisite for a Federal Prosecution.
With information supplied by Union Officials, the U.S. Department of Labor, and with the assistance of the Jefferson County District Attorney, this case was presented to a Jefferson County grand jury, and on December 28, 2016, the New York State Police were provided with an Arrest Warrant, ordering the arrest of Ronald G. Watson, who was Indicted on charges of Grand Larceny 3rd degree, (9 counts) Forgery 2nd degree, and (9 counts) Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument.
With the assistance of the Northern Border Crime Analysis Center, Ronald G. Watson, age 33, was located, as he had moved to a new residence in Fontana, California. With the assistance of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (California), Mr. Watson was located, taken into custody, and held pending extradition proceedings to New York, to answer the charges contained in the grand jury Indictment.
By agreement, Ronald Watson appeared in Jefferson County Court April 21, 2017, where he was arraigned on the aforementioned charges, at which time the matter was adjourned pending further action of the Court. Ronald Watson was released by the court on his own recognizance.