A former worker in Anderson's Water Pollution Control Department is facing 88 felony charges accusing him of embezzling from his union.

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Greg Manis was the local treasurer of the Utility Workers Union of America until his retirement at the end of last year. A month later, another city employee lodged a theft complaint with police. An audit by the union's national secretary-treasurer calculated Manis had stolen nearly 80-thousand dollars over a four-year period.

Prosecutors accuse Manis of forging the names of two other union officials on checks. As treasurer, Manis had custody of the union's checks, ledger and monthly statements.

Police say Manis declined to speak to detectives, but they quote local president Dennis Crabtree as claiming Manis told him he took the money to feed a gambling habit. Police say records show Manis was a heavy bettor at the Hoosier Park racino in Anderson.

Manis faces a single theft count and 87 forgery charges.