On July 28, 2016, Linda Williams, a paratransit operator for Provide A Ride, a Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (GCRTA) contractor, pleaded guilty to unauthorized use of property in Cuyahoga County Court, Cleveland, OH. She also was sentenced to 24 months of probation, and 500 hours of community service and ordered to pay $2,524.73 restitution in connection with an earlier charge related to the misuse of GCRTA’s paratransit system.

 

The investigation revealed that starting in 2013, Williams extensively abused the paratransit service for her personal use. Williams scheduled unauthorized paratransit rides for herself under the name of a deceased veteran. The unauthorized rides included trips to political events, personal errands, social events, and transportation to and from work. The value of services stolen is estimated at over $2,524.73. 

 

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