Union leaders, one from LI, accused of embezzlement

Federal authorities on Tuesday arrested two leaders of a New Jersey-based union local on charges of embezzling more than $375,000.

Authorities say Local 148 of the Production Workers Union president Stephen Arena of Nesconset, N.Y., and secretary-treasurer David Caivano of Bloomfield, N.J., gave themselves unauthorized raises, bonuses and paid vacations.

The union represents various trades including bus drivers, hotel workers and factory employees.

Federal prosecutors allege the pair stacked the union’s executive board with people who provided no oversight.

Authorities say Caivano altered the minutes of meetings to create the illusion the raises and bonuses were approved by the board.

It is not known whether either has retained a lawyer.

They’re expected to have an initial court appearance on Tuesday afternoon.