Jackson declines comment on suit [The Valley Independent, Monessen, Pa.]

Nov. 15--The former chief executive officer of the Belle Vernon Area Federal Credit Union declined to comment Monday on allegations that he misused more than $260,000 in credit union funds.

CUMIS Insurance Society Inc. filed suit Nov. 1 against Gerald Jackson, the current mayor of Belle Vernon and a former Belle Vernon Area School District director.

Jackson was president of the credit union from January 2009 to November 2010, when he was put on indefinite leave after an National Credit Union Administration examiner discovered discrepancies in the credit union's spending records, according to the suit.

The suit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania, claims that "as a result of Jackson's fraudulent actions, the credit union suffered a loss in excess of $261,436.04."

Jackson allegedly used the credit union's credit card and checks to make personal purchases and issue money to himself.

CUMIS paid the credit union $223,436.04 from a fidelity bond and is seeking a judgment in that amount against Jackson, along with its fees, costs, expenses.

Jackson was present at Belle Vernon Borough Council's</org> meeting Monday.

After the meeting, Jackson said he could not comment on the lawsuit based on advice from his attorney.

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