Boston, Dec. 19, 2012 – A former union official has been found guilty in the theft and misuse of more than $100,000 in union funds, District Attorney Daniel F. Conley said today.

A Suffolk Superior Court jury deliberated for only two and a half hours before finding JOHN HORAN (D.O.B. 7/16/64) of Spencer guilty of two counts of larceny over $250 by scheme. Sentencing will take place in January.

During the four-day trial before Judge Christine M. Roach, Assistant District Attorney Benjamin Goldberger introduced evidence and testimony proving that while Horan served as president and business manager of Local 600, which represents more than 300 MBTA inspectors and chief inspectors, he unlawfully inflated his pay by more than $102,000 and made at least $3,200 in cash withdrawals of union funds between 2005 and 2010.

After Horan retired as president in 2010, new union leadership discovered suspicious withdrawals by another union official – secretary treasurer BRIAN SHEEHY (D.O.B. 7/26/69) of Quincy, who ran unsuccessfully to succeed Horan as president. During the ensuing investigation, Horan’s activities came to light.

On Oct. 4, Sheehy pleaded guilty to three counts of larceny over $250 and was sentenced to nine months in the house of correction, with four months to serve and the rest suspended for five years and probation for a period of five years upon his release. He was also ordered to pay $130,243.95 in restitution to the union.

Horan was represented by attorney Jeff Travaline.

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All defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.