Summary

On May 2, 2016, Louis Effa, a former Infrastructure Manager for MARAD, pleaded guilty to theft of government property in U.S. District Court, Greenbelt, MD. He was previously charged with theft in April 2016.

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, Maryland. 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.