PORTLAND (AP) — A former Machinists Union official who acknowledged embezzling to help support his partner’s opiate addiction has been sentenced to 18 months in federal prison.

Thirty-five-year-old Ryan Jones of Biddeford also was ordered Monday to repay $280,865 that he took from Local S6 at Maine’s Bath Iron Works.

The Bangor Daily News reports that Jones apologized and said he’s working on “being an honest man.”

Jones was secretary-treasurer when he allegedly made 199 unauthorized withdrawals from the bank account of shipbuilders’ union in Bath.

His attorney said in court documents Jones married an “addict” and that he began stealing union money “to maintain a lifestyle created by their interdependence on partying, drugs, and alcohol.” Prosecutors say he was stealing more than $1,000 per week.

A former officer for the Machinist’s union at Bath Iron Works is accused of embezzling hundreds of thousands of dollars in union funds. (WGME photo)

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biw, crime, embezzlement
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