A labour union leader who admitted to failing to report more than $300,000 worth of gifts has been pardoned by US President Donald Trump, just hours before he was due to be sentenced.James Callahan, former general president of the International Union of Operating Engineers, was facing sentencing on Wednesday after pleading guilty in January to concealing lavish perks he received from an advertising firm linked to his union.Court records show that Callahan, 65, received a “full and unconditional” presidential pardon late Tuesday, prompting his lawyers to ask the court to cancel the sentencing hearing scheduled with US district judge Ana Reyes.Callahan admitted to failing to report at least $315,000 in luxury tickets to sports games and concerts, along with other exclusive amenities. The benefits came from a company used by the union for advertising placements, according to federal prosecutors, as per reported by AP.“That the Operating Engineers were unknowingly funding Defendant Callahan’s spree of pricey entertainments — a lifestyle his substantial salary could easily accommodate — is especially condemning,” prosecutors wrote earlier this month, recommending a six-month prison term.They highlighted that Callahan was earning more than $500,000 a year during his time as president and has since retired to Florida with a net worth exceeding $5 million.As part of his plea deal, Callahan agreed to repay the full amount to the union and immediately step down from his post. Prosecutors stressed that the perks “properly belonged to the Operating Engineers,” adding that Callahan used many of the tickets for personal enjoyment or passed them on to family and friends with no ties to the union.The International Union of Operating Engineers, based in Washington, DC, represents nearly 400,000 workers across the US and Canada, primarily in the construction and industrial sectors.Neither Callahan’s legal team nor the justice department’s pardon attorney, Ed Martin Jr, responded to requests for comment.Callahan’s pardon is one of several granted by Trump to allies and prominent figures in business and politics since leaving office.
