
United States
HUMAN RESOURCES: Company is Meeting Hiring Goals but Has Opportunities to Improve Hiring Efficiency
In November 2021, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA)1 provided $66 billion for passenger and freight rail improvements, the largest investment in rail in generations. Amtrak’s (the company) agreement workforce2—particularly its Electric Traction, Communication and Signals, and Track...
TECHNOLOGY: Amtrak Has Opportunities to More Effectively Protect Its Information Systems and Data from Insider Threats
Like other organizations, Amtrak (the company) faces the inherent cybersecurity risk that employees or contractors are “insider threats”—that is, that they could maliciously or unintentionally use information systems or data in a manner that harms the company. Insider threats may cause more harm and...
TWO CALIFORNIA MEN PLEAD GUILTY TO WIRE FRAUD AND AIDING AND ABETTING
Jason Chan, a California resident, pleaded guilty to Wire Fraud and Aiding and Abetting on November 27, 2023, in U.S. District Court, Eastern District of California. Jamar Rogers, also a resident of California, pleaded guilty to the same charge on October 10, 2023.Our investigation found that Rogers...
FLORIDA MAN SENTENCED FOR THEFT OF GOVERNMENT FUNDS
Edel Perez Acanda, a resident of Miami, Florida, was sentenced on October 16, 2023, in U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida, for Theft of Government Funds. Perez Acanda was sentenced to 2 months in prison, 3 years’ probation, and was ordered to pay $81,114 in restitution to Amtrak...
EMPLOYEE TERMINATED FOR ENGAGING IN OUTSIDE EMPLOYMENT WHILE ON MEDICAL LEAVE
An Amtrak Coach Cleaner based in Miami, Florida, was terminated from employment on October 5, 2023, following her administrative hearing. Our investigation found that the employee violated company policies by engaging in outside employment while on a medical leave of absence.
EMPLOYEE RESIGNS AFTER VIOLATING LEAVE POLICY
A Lead Service Attendant based at New York Penn Station violated company policies by engaging in outside employment at two temporary employment agencies and an assisted living facility in Delaware while on medical leave and receiving Railroad Retirement Board benefits. The employee resigned prior to...
Semiannual Report to Congress #68 (April 1, 2023 to September 30, 2023)
I am pleased to submit the Amtrak Office of Inspector General (OIG) Semiannual Report to the United States Congress for the six months ending September 30, 2023, which summarizes our independent and objective reviews and investigations related to Amtrak’s programs and operations.The following report...
Texas Resident Pleads Guilty to Cares Act Fraud
Five Employees Resign After Time Fraud Investigation
Five Ticket Accounting Clerks based in Massachusetts violated company policies by using their Smart ID badges to fraudulently swipe one another in and/or out of Amtrak’s time and attendance machines. Four employees admitted to the violations during their interviews with our agents, and we found a...