Maritime Union Leaders Convicted

Two national maritime union leaders accused of spending organizational funds on personal luxuries, including a bachelor party, have been convicted of corruption charges.

Brothers Michael and Robert McKay were found guilty Friday of racketeering conspiracy and several lesser charges stemming from their time as president and secretary-treasurer, respectively, of American Maritime Officers.

In addition to the racketeering charge, which carries a possible 20-year sentence, Michael McKay, 59, and Robert McKay, 56, were convicted of mail fraud and record-keeping offenses. Robert McKay, 56, was also convicted of embezzlement.

Prosecutors said the brothers used the union to pay for personal luxuries such as a bachelor party and repairs for a dive boat.

Defense attorneys said they were shocked that the jury reached a verdict after only one day of deliberations. Robert McKay's lawyer Fred Haddad said he would ask U.S. District Judge James Cohn to order a new trial.

The McKays remain free on bail until their sentencing March 29.

During the trial, Robert McKay was voted out of office. Michael McKay was narrowly re-elected president. Labor laws prohibit convicted felons from holding union office.

The union has 4,000 members.