Mo. benefits manager gets prison for embezzlement

ST. LOUIS (AP) - A former benefits manager for a union local in St. Louis County has been sentenced to 27 months in prison for embezzling $341,000 from the union's benefit plans.

The money was taken from the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers District 9 local in Bridgeton.

The U.S. Attorney's Office says 51-year-old Harry Keil of St. Charles was sentenced Thursday. Keil pleaded guilty in May to one count each of mail fraud and embezzlement from a benefit plan.

Acting U.S. Attorney Michael Reap says Keil was hired in August 2006 as administrative manager of District 9's Pension and Health and Welfare Funds. Reap says Keil created false invoices, leading to illegal payments to his personal bank accounts and loans.