Calif. union leader banned for life

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 26 (UPI) -- The Service Employees International Union has banned the former president of its largest California local and ordered him to repay more than $1 million.

SEIU claims Tyrone Freeman misappropriated the money from the union, the Los Angeles Times reported Wednesday.

Freeman, 39, was head of the 160,000-member United Long-Term Care Workers and a 30,000-member affiliated chapter, which represent low-wage caregivers, the newspaper reported.

"It is tragic and unconscionable that a young leader with such great potential would violate not only the constitution of the international Union, but the trust of his members," said SEIU President Andy Stern, who had appointed Freeman to the local post.

Kelly Kramer, an attorney for Freeman, said in a statement that his client was "disappointed" by Stern's decision.

"Tyrone Freeman's career has been about helping workers and finding innovative ways to lift them out of poverty," Kramer said. "His goal has always been to improve their lives."

The SEIU's inquiry included hearings conducted by former California Supreme Court Justice Joseph Grodin. He reported to the union that Freeman had engaged in a pattern of financial malpractice and self-dealing.