The former director of the Western Mass. Electric Co. Credit Union has pleaded guilty to stealing $225,000 from his employer by falsifying expense reports.

Robert Koss of Ludlow pleaded guilty in federal court on Tuesday to embezzlement and filing a false tax return while running the Springfield-based credit union for the utility’s employees, family members and retirees. As part of a plea deal, he will also pay restitution.

Sentencing was scheduled for Jan. 21.

The Republican of Springfield reports that prosecutors say starting in 1999 and continuing until his retirement in 2006, Koss collected about $225,000 from fabricated or inflated expense reimbursements.

His defense lawyer said he agreed to the deal because of health conditions that require the use of a wheelchair. (AP)