Wichita ? A former transportation union official has been sentenced to 15 months in federal prison for embezzling more than $36,000 in union funds, U.S. Attorney Eric Melgren said Monday.

Daniel Van Becelaere, 53, of Pittsburg, pleaded guilty on May 11 to one count of embezzling while secretary treasurer of Local 763 of the United Transportation Union of the AFL-CIO. Prosecutors said that between March 2000 and April 30, 2002, Van Becelaere issued 180 checks to himself worth $36,170.

U.S. District Judge Monti Belot on Monday told Van Becelaere to report to prison Nov. 1 and ordered him to pay the money back.