Former Postal Union Treasurer Admits Stealing $22,719 From Local 65

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A 45-year-old St. Paul man was summoned to court on Nov. 6 after police say he embezzled $22,719 from the American Postal Workers Union Local 65 between Aug. 27 and Dec. 30 last year. 

During a post-arrest interview, David Edward Westgard told police he made unauthorized transactions on the union's credit card and transferred union money to his personal bank account in West St. Paul. 

Westgard admitted to police he stole the money to support a gambling habit.

A Dakota County summons complaint states Westgard Westgard was approached in January 2012 after union officials noticed some "irregularities" in the union's finances. 

The complaint also states that Westgard "felt ashamed of his conduct and ashamed that he violated the trust the officers and members of the union placed in him."

The unauthorized transfers of funds from the union account to Westgard’s account occurred in the City of West St. Paul, and the unauthorized credit card transactions occurred throughout Goodhue County (Minn.), the complaint states.

The Pioneer Press has reported that Westgard works as a clerk in the Eagan post office and that he has paid the money back. 

Westgard has been formally charged with felony theft by swindle, a crime punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $20,000 fine.