Investigative Reports

A former Amtrak conductor based in New York City violated company policies when he failed to report his conviction for Medicaid fraud, which occurred on April 30, 2015, in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland. We found that the company’s Human Resources department had no record of his arrest or conviction. We interviewed the conductor, who admitted that he had been convicted of a felony, paid restitution, and regularly reported to a probation officer while working for the company. The conductor resigned on November 30, 2022, and is not eligible for rehire.

VA OIG attorney-advisors conducted two related internal investigations following allegations that a then special agent in charge in the Office of Investigations engaged in inappropriate conduct or sexual harassment that his superiors ignored and that contributed to a hostile work environment. OIG disciplinary officials determined the special agent in charge engaged in “conduct unbecoming” and should be removed from federal service. The special agent in charge retired during the 30-day advance notice period that is required before completing a removal action. The evidence did not support a charge of sexual harassment, failure to act by senior leaders, or a hostile work environment. To enhance future reporting and a safe workplace, the OIG implemented and updated directives on romantic relationships involving coworkers and sexual misconduct in addition to other responsive actions.The OIG publishes summaries of internal investigations of alleged senior personnel misconduct to promote transparency and accountability. Summary information released is consistent with applicable privacy laws and regulations.

PDC Energy, Inc., drilled and then operated a well in Colorado that removed Federal minerals without first obtaining a Federal lease or drilling permit.

PDC Energy, Inc., drilled and then operated a well in Colorado that removed Federal minerals without first obtaining a Federal lease or drilling permit.

Tyler Deandre Johnson, a resident of Tampa, Florida, pleaded guilty on November 15, 2022, in the U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida, to one count fraud and related activity in connection with access devices and one count aggravated identity theft. Johnson is a co-conspirator with Darius Lopez, another defendant in the case, who previously pleaded guilty to fraud and related activity in connection with access devices. This investigation is being conducted jointly with the GSA Office of Inspector General.

We investigated an allegation that an NPS supervisor improperly approved a request from a subordinate to receive pay after being suspended.

An Amtrak Assistant Foreman based in New York, violated company policy when he engaged in outside employment while on a medical leave of absence. In addition, on April 5, 2022, he falsified a Railroad Retirement Board application for sickness benefits by stating he had no income. The employee was terminated after his disciplinary hearing on November 9, 2022.

On November 7, 2022, an Amtrak coach cleaner, based in Miami, Florida, signed a civil settlement agreement with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Florida, and agreed to pay $21,999 in restitution and a $5,000 penalty. Our investigation found that the employee submitted an application that contained false statements and information to obtain a Payroll Protection Program loan for a business that did not exist, resulting in the receipt of funds to which he was not entitled.

On November 4, 2022, an Amtrak motor equipment operator, based in Miami, Florida, signed a civil settlement agreement with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Florida, and agreed to pay $22,904 in restitution and a $6,000 penalty. Our investigation found that the employee submitted a fraudulent application to obtain a Payroll Protection Program loan for a business that did not exist, resulting in the receipt of funds to which he was not entitled.