Authorities detain head of Mexico's powerful teachers' union on embezzlement charges

The Associated Press

MEXICO CITY - Federal officials say the head of Mexico's powerful teachers' union has been detained for alleged embezzlement.

Attorney General Jesus Murillo Karam says Elba Esther Gordillo was detained at an airport in Toluca outside Mexico city on Tuesday on charges that she embezzled about 2 billion pesos ($156 million) from union funds.

He said in a press conference that Gordillo allegedly used the funds to pay for plastic surgery, her credit card bill from Neiman Marcus, purchase a private airplane and buy a house in San Diego.

Gordillo has led the 1.5 million-member National Union of Education Workers for 23 years. She was elected to another six-year term as union leader in October. She was the only candidate and there was not a single dissenting vote.