UAW watchdog getting evidence from feds in corruption probe

Federal prosecutors in Detroit put a herd of UAW officials in prison

DETROIT -- After putting a herd of UAW officials in prison, federal prosecutors said Friday they're sharing additional evidence with a court-appointed watchdog who has authority to pursue other misconduct inside the union. The independent monitor, Neil Barofsky, can investigate and bring internal disciplinary charges at the United Auto Workers, the government said. A judge took the unusual step of giving prosecutors permission to share grand jury materials and sealed search warrant applications. The government said the monitor's staff also has met with people who cooperated with agents in the criminal investigation. The disclosure was made in a statement by the U.S. Attorney's Office in Detroit about continued efforts to clean up the UAW after a dozen convictions exposed corruption at the highest levels of the union and led to prison terms for two presidents, Gary Jones and Dennis Williams.