Summary

On April 12, 2016, Louis Effa, a former employee of MARAD was charged via Information in U.S. District Court, Greenbelt, MD, with one count of theft of government property. Effa was an Infrastructure Manager for MARAD.

In November 2014, MARAD discovered that Effa used his MARAD business account to purchase three unauthorized Apple iPads. Effa had the iPads shipped to a friend at a non-MARAD address in Piney Point, MD. MARAD discovered the three unauthorized Apple iPads after conducting an internal audit. Effa resigned from MARAD after being placed on administrative leave.

The investigation disclosed that between 2012 and November 2014, Effa stole approximately 119 iPads, iPhones, laptops, keyboards and other computer equipment belonging to MARAD. He sold many of the items online and received at least $37,386 for the stolen property.

DOT-OIG is conducting this investigation with assistance from MARAD.

Note: Indictments, informations, and criminal complaints are only accusations by the Government. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.