MISUSE OF GRANT FUNDS

May 12, 2017 |  Investigative Summaries

We initiated an investigation into allegations that two senior Amtrak marketing employees improperly used federal grant funds for state and local projects that were outside the scope of the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) Capital Grant Agreements for fiscal years 2014 and 2015 and committed associated violations of company policy. We found no evidence of fraud or personal enrichment by either employee; however, we found that their actions violated the terms and conditions of the FRA Capital Grant Agreements. In this regard, they also violated or acted inconsistently with various company policies relating to ethical conduct and grants administration. One employee was released from Amtrak service on unrelated matters prior to the completion of our investigation. On May 12, 2017, the other employee’s employment was terminated. This investigation was conducted in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General (DOT OIG).

Tracking Number
OIG-WS-2017-301