The former president of a St. Helens-based manufacturer’s labor union embezzled more than $32,000 and destroyed union records to cover up the crime, according to a federal prosecutor.

John Jason Burgess, 43, of Hillsboro, pleaded guilty Thursday to concealing or destroying the union’s financial records, particularly receipts of union purchases he made for his personal gain.

The government will recommend that he face five years of probation for the misdemeanor when Burgess is sentenced April 10.

Burgess served as president of Pacific Stainless Products Employees Association Local 304 from 2008 through January 2016. The union represents about 140 workers who are employees at the St. Helens-based manufacturer. They make stainless steel equipment used in food service, architectural, biomedical and other industries. Members pay biweekly union dues of $12.50, which is withheld from their paychecks.

As president, Burgess was a signatory to the union’s bank account and received a debit card for the account. Around 2012, he began maintaining the union’s financial records, including its bank statements.

In January, Burgess was fired from the company. He turned in his union debit card but didn’t turn over the union’s financial records.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Bounds said Burgess “abused his position of trust" by converting more than $32,000 of union money for his own use and failing to keep or disclose receipts relating to his unauthorized union expenditures, as required by federal law.

As part of the plea agreement, Burgess will pay back all the money taken from the union. He’s already paid about $21,580, and is expected to pay another $10,600, Bounds said

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Labor-Management Standards investigated the case.

-- Maxine Bernstein

Email at mbernstein@oregonian.com

Follow on Twitter @maxoregonian

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