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Former United Transportation Union International president Charles Little has pled guilty to federal racketeering charges, according to a news item on UTU's Web site.

At his April 9 sentencing, Little could receive up to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and $100,000 forfeiture of illegally obtained funds.

In September 2003, the U.S. Attorney's office indicted Little, UTU International President Byron Boyd Jr., and current and former union officers John Rookard and Ralph Dennis on charges of racketeering, conspiracy, mail fraud, wire fraud and commercial bribery.

The government alleges that during a seven-year period beginning in 1995, the four defendants conspired to violate federal mail fraud and wire fraud statutes, and commercial state bribery statutes by using their positions of authority to solicit and collect cash payments and other objects of value from attorneys doing business with the union.

Little served as international president between 1995 and February 2001. Rookard serves as special assistant to Boyd. Dennis — who pled guilty to racketeering charges in October — served as director of insurance for the UTU Insurance Association until he resigned in July 2003.

Boyd maintains he is innocent of all charges. "The allegations … are unfounded," he said in a September statement. "I have every intention to pursue this matter to a final and full conclusion that completely exonerates me."