Mar. 4, 1964 - The Federal government finally got a conviction against Teamsters president James Hoffa today when a jury in Chattanooga, Tenn., found him guilty on two counts of jury tampering — crimes punishable by a total of 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Three co-defendants were also found guilty.
“It was unfair. Of course we will appeal. What do you think?” snapped Hoffa after the verdict.
The tough boss of the nation’s largest union was indicted on six different charges over a seven-year period, but today marked the first time the Federal government has been able to make one stick. Bylaws of the Teamsters union provide for the removal of any officer convicted of a felony, but the union was not expected to take any action against Hoffa until he exhausts his appeals.
The Teamsters boss was greeted by hundreds of curiosity-seekers and associates as he stepped free from the Federal building under bond. Asked for further comment, Hoffa called the verdict a “railroad job” and said he pitied “those who do not have the funds to go to appeals courts.”
Hoffa said he would not resign as president of the Teamsters. “Despite what you like to think, the members will be behind Hoffa all the way,” he declared.
Hoffa has contended that the jury-tampering trial and his other troubles with the government are a “frameup” stemming from his personal feud with Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy.
