On August 1, 2016, Pamela G. Mason, a former manager in the GCRTA paratransit division was sentenced in Cuyahoga County Court, Cleveland, OH, to 12 months of probation and ordered to pay $4,241.74 restitution in connection with the misuse of GCRTA’s paratransit system. Mason pleaded guilty on May 19, 2016, to theft charges. 

 

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 worked this investigation jointly with the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office and the FBI.