Former Teamsters boss John Neal robbed at home

By Rick Yencer

MUNCIE, IN - In all his years as president of Teamsters Local 135, John Neal was never robbed at gunpoint until some bad guys invaded his home this week.

 Neal, 74, said he still was having problems hearing after one of the robbers shot a gun off next to his head and then tied up him and two friends while the robber and his friends ransacked Neal's house south of Yorktown.

 "I did not get a good look at them," said Neal, who said the bandits were all wearing masks.

 Delaware County sheriff's deputies came to Neal's rescue early Tuesday after he called 911. Investigator Kurt Walthour is working the case, and there were no new leads or even descriptions of suspects available on Friday, according to the sheriff's department.

 Neal said he had never been robbed in all his years as union leader or owner of several bars and restaurants. He lives alone, and said he would certainly add some security after the home invasion that reportedly got only a few dollars in cash.

 The former Teamster boss ran afoul of the law more than a decade ago after the federal government seized nearly a $1 million is cash and charged him with racketeering over a gaming operation involving video machines. Another raid grabbed more than $1.5 million. Neal was later convicted and spent two years in a federal prison.

 More recently, Neal has been buying properties in tax sales and helping his children who own bars and work in the liquor distribution business.