Posts tagged Teamster Independent Investigations Officer
Corruption Officer Brings Charges against Joe Smith of Delaware Local 326
June 9, 2026 // Smith was convicted of a DUI in 2014 and illegally drove union-owned vehicles for ten years without a valid license. After the IIO began investigating, Smith obtained a conditional license that required him to install an interlock device with a breathalyzer. But Smith installed the device on his late father's car instead of on the Ford Expedition he drove for union business. Smith is accused of subjecting the union to substantial uninsured risk, never advising Local 326 or the IBT of his arrest, and lying under oath to IIO investigators to cover up his actions. The IIO charges estimate that he has cost the union $100,000 in unwarranted payments.
Some of the 18 Teamster officials in the Western region charged by the Teamster Independent Investigations Officer (IIO) in May and July of 2023 have been suspended from office or resigned their positions, while others await the decision of Judge Barbara Jones. Judge Jones serves as the Teamster Independent Review Officer (IRO) and makes the final decisions on corruption charges filed by the IIO.
February 22, 2024 // Three officials who ran on the Vairma-Herrera Slate in the 2021 International Union election are among the charged officers. They are all charged for their role in aiding disgraced former IBT Vice President Rome Aloise to direct union business after he was suspended from the union for corruption and taking gifts from a major employer during bargaining.