TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The former secretary-treasurer of a railroad union in Kansas has pleaded guilty to embezzling from the group.

U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said in a news release that 62-year-old Dale Hull, of Herington, pleaded guilty Monday to one count of embezzling union funds.

The crime occurred while Hull was secretary-treasurer of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen union that represents Union Pacific employees working in the Herington terminal and the Salina hub.

Hull said that starting in 2008, he made more than $17,000 in unauthorized transfers from the union’s account to his personal checking account. He also filed reports to the U.S. Department of Labor in which he understated his earnings in his union position.

Sentencing is set for Jan. 5.