As alleged in the complaint, between September
2011 and October 2014, FAA Air Traffic
Controllers Ali and Evagues modified labor
distribution reports on more than 300 occasions
to indicate and get paid as if they were
controlling air traffic at JFK when, in fact,
they were taking vacation time, sick leave, or
regular days off. Security camera footage
captured both defendants entering the room that
contains the computer from which payroll changes
occurred, just minutes prior to when
modifications were implemented.
“For three years, these air traffic controllers
engaged in a high flying scheme to redirect
public funds into their own bank accounts. Today
they were grounded,” stated United States
Attorney Lynch. “This office and its law
enforcement partners are committed to ensuring
that government employees act with the degree of
integrity that the public expects and deserves.”
“The arrest of Mr. Asif Ali and Mr. Jeffrey
Evagues for allegedly stealing time from the FAA
is a clear signal that Federal employees will be
held responsible for maintaining the highest
level of integrity,” stated Douglas Shoemaker,
DOT OIG Regional Special Agent in Charge.
“Working with our law enforcement peers and
prosecutorial colleagues, we will continue our
vigorous efforts to protect the taxpayers’
investment in our nation’s transportation system
from fraud, waste, abuse, and violations of
law.”
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