Summary

On May 19, 2016, Pamela G. Mason, a manager in the paratransit division of the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority, pleaded guilty to theft charges in Cuyahoga County Court, Cleveland, OH. In January 2016, she was indicted on multiple fraud charges. Paratransit service is a federally subsidized program that provides public transportation to the elderly and disabled.

The investigation revealed that starting in 2008, Mason extensively abused the paratransit service for personal use and for use by family members. This included trips to Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, various professional sporting events in Cleveland, political events, personal errands, and transportation to and from work and school. Mason admitted to arranging the fraudulent rides by dispatching rides as “unknown” riders. The value of services stolen is estimated at over $4,200.

DOT-OIG is working this investigation jointly with the Cuyahoga County Prosecutors Office and the FBI.