Update on Local 479 facts & evidence. No conjecture or speculation. Just the facts. Let us all move forward together.

John Lewis the prosecutor

“We have reviewed a considerable amount of documents, which I'm going to submit for the record, which confirms the facts and evidence which gave rise to international president, issuing an emergency declaration.”

“In light of there being no challenges to the trusteeship, we are relying strictly on the documentary evidence we reported before you, and not calling any witnesses. I would comment that retroactive executive board approval of unlawful actions is not a defense.
I would also note that claiming that certain unconstitutional actions were consistent with past practice of the local is also non defense. The evidence before you clearly establishes evidentiary proof of the allegations contained in the emergency declaration. It is time to start the work to get this local back on track to serve the best interests of the entire membership. And that is the prosecution. Thank you.

The finality from the judge Scott Harbinson

At the same time, we must be honest about where we are. The locals representatives that entered “guilty” pleas provided allocutions acknowledging the charges brought by the international.
Accountability is necessary. An organization cannot move forward by diminishing what's occurred, minimizing serious mistakes, or attempting to deflect responsibility. I hope today is a turning point between the mistakes of the past and the promise of the future