The former United Auto Workers (UAW) president Gary Jones has been charged in the US with embezzling over US$1m of union funds amid a corruption probe that might see a federal government take over of the union.

Reuters reported that Jones was charged in an information, a court document typically used when the government has reached a plea deal with a defendant.

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A lawyer for Jones declined to comment.

The union said in a statement published on its website: "This is a violation of trust, a violation of the sacred management of union dues, and goes against everything we believe in…"

"Jones and all who betrayed the trust of our union should be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law, with no exceptions."

According to Reuters, Matthew Schneider, the US attorney for the eastern district of Michigan, said federal officials would continue to investigate any corruption allegations, and a takeover of the union remained an option.

"We are not done," he said at a press conference. "That's one of the options… whether or not federal government oversight of the UAW is necessary."

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