Former union leader indicted for fraud in Maryland

A former union leader representing employees at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has been indicted on federal charges of wire fraud and money laundering in Maryland. Kimberly Goodwin was the president of AFGE Local 2419. The indictment claims she defrauded the union of hundreds of thousands of dollars through a consulting agreement that was not authorized. Prosecutors allege that Goodwin created a consulting deal that caused the union to run out of money in 2022. The union then fell under trusteeship, meaning it was taken over by a parent union due to financial issues. Local 2419 represents NIH employees in Bethesda and other locations. Goodwin, who is from Bowie, previously criticized the labor practices during the Trump administration. She resigned from her union position and her job at NIH in 2019. The indictment states that after her departure, she persuaded the union's secretary and new president to enter a staffing agreement with her own company, Good Leaders LLC. This agreement was never approved by the union's leadership or members. According to the indictment, Goodwin's company was to receive guaranteed payments of at least $140,000 each year, regardless of required work. She also maintained control over the union's treasury. From 2020 to 2022, she allegedly withdrew over $383,000 from the union funds as "advances" and sent herself regular invoices for payment. The situation came to light when she alerted union officials that funds were running low. Following this, both co-conspirators resigned. Investigations into the union’s finances revealed significant irregularities, including excessive cash withdrawals and unnecessary purchases. Neither Goodwin nor the union provided comments regarding the allegations.