MIAMI - The Southeast's largest union sued its former boss Wednesday, seeking restitution of more than $3.3-million in teachers union funds that were used to bankroll lavish lifestyles.
Former United Teachers of Dade President Pat Tornillo, who faces prison for charging $650,000 in cruises and other luxuries to the union, was sued by the UTD and the American Federation of Teachers in state court.
The lawsuit also names Tornillo's wife, Donna; the estate of former UTD president Murray Sisselman; his widow, Ludmila; and the union's Miami accountants, Grant Thornton LLP and Cummings-Grayson & Co, P.A.
Tornillo pleaded guilty in August to mail fraud and filing a false tax return. He will be sentenced Monday. The 78-year-old faces federal prison for two years and making full restitution. The civil suit alleges that Tornillo began using union funds to pay for his personal credit card expenses around 1990. The suit says Donna Tornillo benefited from these practices.
The suit also asserts that Murray Sisselman used the practice to fund international trips with his wife, who also allegedly benefited from payments from insurance policies. The suit contends the accounting firms were negligent in their audits.
