Former union official in Jackson County admits embezzlement

For the second time in two years, a president of the union that represents Jackson County corrections employees has pleaded guilty to stealing from the union.

Lowell Wreh, 46, of Raytown, waived his right to a grand jury and pleaded guilty Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Kansas City to wire fraud.

Wreh’s predecessor in the job, Jesse E. Morgan, pleaded guilty to the same charge in 2014 and is serving a federal prison sentence.

According to federal prosecutors, Wreh admitted to embezzling $7,642 while serving as president of Local 1707 of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees in 2013 and 2014.

He was suspended from the post in April 2014 and dismissed in August 2014, prosecutors said.

Morgan, 40, who was president of the union from 2008 to 2012, was sentenced last year to 21 months in prison and was ordered to pay $138,000 in restitution.

Wreh will also have to pay restitution to the union as part of Wednesday’s plea agreement.

A sentencing date has not been set.

This story was originally published January 20, 2016 at 5:20 PM with the headline "Former union official in Jackson County admits embezzlement."