URGENT UPDATE: Calls for criminal charges are intensifying against 36 Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) employees accused of a significant time theft scheme. Officials report that these workers allegedly used cloned swipe cards to falsely record their attendance, raising serious questions about workplace integrity.
According to the MTA Inspector General, these employees created fake swipe cards using equipment purchased on Amazon, allowing them to clock in and out without actually being present. Despite this serious allegation, no criminal charges have yet been filed, a decision that has left MTA board members furious.
James O’Donnell, an MTA board member, sharply criticized Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney for his office’s reluctance to prosecute. “None of them, it seems, are going to be prosecuted criminally. To me, that’s a mistake,” O’Donnell stated, highlighting the urgency of the issue.
Last week, Tierney’s office defended its position, claiming that the evidence provided by the MTA did not meet the necessary standards for criminal prosecution. The statement pointed to “a lack of controls at the MTA facility,” noting the absence of cameras at employee entrances and inadequate timekeeping records.
“I’m extremely disappointed in the Suffolk County DA — that he threw the IG’s office under the bus and said the IG’s office did not give him enough information and enough evidence to prosecute,” O’Donnell expressed.
In response to the scandal, MTA officials have implemented new security measures, including the installation of additional cameras and the reintroduction of fingerprint-based punch clocks, which had previously been removed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Rob Free, LIRR President, emphasized the MTA’s swift action against the implicated employees, stating, “We took swift, decisive, strong actions against the employees — significant penalties.” Most of the employees involved have faced suspensions without pay ranging from two to nine months. Additionally, six workers are still under review in ongoing internal disciplinary hearings, potentially facing penalties up to and including termination.
As this situation develops, the MTA and the public await further action from the Suffolk County DA’s office. The implications of this scandal could have far-reaching effects on the integrity of public transportation in New York and the accountability of its employees.
This urgent matter not only raises questions about employee conduct but also about the oversight and governance of public institutions. Will the DA reconsider the evidence? What further steps will the MTA take to prevent future abuses? Stay tuned for updates as this story unfolds.
