Monday, Nov. 15, 1999
PHILADELPHIA —— The national Teamsters removed the top officer of a city local Monday after union investigators accused him of intimidating and shaking down union members for cash and stockpiling weapons for what he called a "war."
John P. Morris, 73, was secretary-treasurer of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local Union 115 for more than four decades. He remains president of a statewide conference of Teamster locals.
Greg Tarpinian, a consultant with the national Teamsters, said Morris used union money to purchase two shotguns, 20 stun guns, pepper spray, boxes of combat fatigues and boots, two cars, two campers and five buses, which he stored on rented property five miles from union headquarters.
"These purchases were in preparation for what Morris describes as 'war,'" according to a statement by the Washington-based union, signed by President James P. Hoffa.
Local union members defended Morris, rallying outside their headquarters Monday night.
"It's a bunch of lies," yelled union member Harold Fisher.
The late Mr. Morris is worm food today.