Local 91 enforcer sentenced to prison - By Dan Herbeck, Buffalo News
For years, Andrew Shomers was one of the most feared enforcers for Laborers Local 91 in Niagara County.
But as he stood before a judge Wednesday, Shomers, an ex-boxer, no longer looked menacing. He was a tearful, broken man preparing to go to federal prison.
The tables were turned on the former enforcer as U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara berated him for his crimes and sentenced him to four years and three months.
'The conduct committed here was incomprehensible,' the visibly angry judge said. 'It's unfortunate that [you] and other members of the union didn't take a stand and say, 'This is wrong.' '
Shomers, 43, of Niagara Falls, took a plea deal last year, admitting that he threatened, viciously attacked and threw a firebomb to intimidate people in the Niagara County construction industry. He said he took his orders from union leaders, mainly former President Mark S. Congi.