Former Union Treasurer Pleaded Guilty to Wire Fraud

Carol A. Aguja admitted to embezzling over $60,000 from a labor union while serving as its treasurer.

Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Financial Crime

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a heavy institutional building facade, evoking the gravity of federal financial crimes. — Former union treasurer Carol A. Aguja pleaded guilty to wire fraud in Boston federal court after embezzling over $60,000 from AFGE Local 38. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Carol A. Aguja, a former USCIS Immigration Services Officer, has pleaded guilty to wire fraud in federal court. She admitted to stealing more than $60,000 from AFGE Local 38 between 2019 and 2024.

Why it matters

The case highlights the misuse of union funds and the breach of trust involving a public official. Aguja utilized her position to misappropriate money while falsifying financial reports provided to federal regulators.

Aguja pleaded guilty to wire fraud and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for January 7, 2027, in federal court.

The players

Carol A. Aguja

She is a former Immigration Services Officer for USCIS who served as the treasurer of a local union.

AFGE Local 38

This is a labor union representing federal employees across regions including Rhode Island and New Hampshire.

Department of Labor

This is the executive department responsible for federal oversight of labor unions and financial reporting.

The details

Aguja served as the Treasurer of AFGE Local 38 for nearly a decade, during which she made 128 unauthorized cash withdrawals and used a union credit card for personal expenses. To conceal her activities, she falsified annual financial forms submitted to the Department of Labor.

Carol A. Aguja served as Treasurer from 2015 to August 2024.
The embezzlement occurred between 2019 and 2024.
Aguja was charged in August 2026.
She entered her guilty plea on October 1, 2026.
Sentencing is set for January 7, 2027.

Legal Context

This prosecution reflects ongoing federal efforts to enforce financial transparency standards under the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act. The case serves as an update to regional oversight efforts aimed at detecting and preventing the misappropriation of labor union funds.

Residents should be aware of the internal governance issues that led to the depletion of union resources. The plea ensures that local oversight of labor accounts may face increased scrutiny to prevent future fraud against member dues.

The takeaway

Embezzlement cases often rely on the falsification of standardized government reports to hide illicit activity for years. Union members are encouraged to review available financial disclosures regularly to ensure the integrity of their organization's funds.