A Celoron man and former treasurer of a local union representing iron workers has pleaded guilty following a theft investigation.

Scott Russell Merritt, 40, entered the plea to theft from a labor union before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra Jr.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Merritt allegedly embezzled $50,850.71 in union funds while treasurer of Ironworkers Local 470. The Celoron man is said to have written union checks to pay various personal expenses.

The thefts allegedly took place between May 2011 and August 2018.

The charge, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

The plea is the result of an investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Labor Management Standards, under the direction of the Boston-Buffalo District Director Jonathan Russo.

Sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 18.