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PrintCarmel on the Case: Senior Center Investigation
Posted: 01/24/13
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7News has learned a Broward County senior center is being investigated after a bus driver claimed the center was taking taxpayers for a ride. Investigative reporter Carmel Cafiero is on the case.
WSVN -- It's a morning ritual for many seniors in Broward County. They're up and about and ready for their ride to the Daniel D. Cantor Senior Center in Sunrise. They ride for free. The county pays for them.
Last year the tab was nearly half a million dollars for more than 27,000 trips.
Now 7news has learned the office of the inspector general is investigating after an employee claimed billing irregularities.
Victor McCleod: "They're being recorded as though they are taking a ride on the bus, but in fact, they're not riding the bus."
Victor McCleod was still working as a bus driver for the center at the time of this interview. He was later fired.
Victor McCleod: "My first concern is the fact that our tax dollars are being wasted."
McCleod told 7news and the inspector general that he was routinely directed by his supervisor to get credit for certain riders who were not actually on the buses.
Victor McCleod: "I've been directed on administrative duty, to go ahead and input in the system, that they are in fact on the bus, when I know they are not on the bus."
McCleod claims the practice has been in place for a long time and other drivers have been instructed to do the same thing.
He said he decided to blow the whistle after what he described as a breaking point last summer.
Victor McCleod: "It really hit home when I had a senior that went from the daycare center, to the hospital, via ambulance. She had a medical emergency and as a result I was directed to indicate that she had taken the bus home, as opposed to the ambulance. Well, of course, you can't be in an ambulance and on a bus ride home at the same time."
Broward Inspector General John Scott confirmed his office is investigating McCleod's allegations but declined to discuss specifics.
Broward County Transit Division Director Tim Garling told 7News these are quote "serious allegations" but declined to speak in detail until the inspector general's investigation was complete.
The center's executive director declined comment but did say she has not been told the specific nature of the investigation.
If there's something you think Carmel should investigate, give her a call or send an e-mail. The address is clue@wsvn.Com.
Last year the tab was nearly half a million dollars for more than 27,000 trips.
Now 7news has learned the office of the inspector general is investigating after an employee claimed billing irregularities.
Victor McCleod: "They're being recorded as though they are taking a ride on the bus, but in fact, they're not riding the bus."
Victor McCleod was still working as a bus driver for the center at the time of this interview. He was later fired.
Victor McCleod: "My first concern is the fact that our tax dollars are being wasted."
McCleod told 7news and the inspector general that he was routinely directed by his supervisor to get credit for certain riders who were not actually on the buses.
Victor McCleod: "I've been directed on administrative duty, to go ahead and input in the system, that they are in fact on the bus, when I know they are not on the bus."
McCleod claims the practice has been in place for a long time and other drivers have been instructed to do the same thing.
He said he decided to blow the whistle after what he described as a breaking point last summer.
Victor McCleod: "It really hit home when I had a senior that went from the daycare center, to the hospital, via ambulance. She had a medical emergency and as a result I was directed to indicate that she had taken the bus home, as opposed to the ambulance. Well, of course, you can't be in an ambulance and on a bus ride home at the same time."
Broward Inspector General John Scott confirmed his office is investigating McCleod's allegations but declined to discuss specifics.
Broward County Transit Division Director Tim Garling told 7News these are quote "serious allegations" but declined to speak in detail until the inspector general's investigation was complete.
The center's executive director declined comment but did say she has not been told the specific nature of the investigation.
If there's something you think Carmel should investigate, give her a call or send an e-mail. The address is clue@wsvn.Com.