NEW ORLEANS – New Orleans Public Belt Railway’s former general manager, Jim Bridger, reportedly is charged by the state with 18 felony counts of theft from the 15-mile city-owned railroad as well as malfeasance while on the job.
The UTU represents many of the railroads’ workers.
Bridger entered a “not guilty” plea and was released on $180,000 bond to await trial, according to the New Orleans Times-Picayune newspaper.
Details of the charges were not released, but prosecutors told the newspaper each of the theft charges “involved thousands of dollars.”
The newspaper reported that “at least five of the felony counts appear to relate” to Bridger’s loaning out to friends luxury railcars owned by the railroad. He allegedly spent $3 million in city money to buy and restore antique Pullman cars and purchase luxury SUVs.
The newspaper said federal prosecutors also are investigating Bridger.
Bridger, maintaining his innocence of criminal charges, was quoted by the newspaper as saying, “If I have one regret, it’s that someone didn’t put the bridle on me earlier and say, ‘Hold on, this is not Long Island, this is not Union Pacific.'”
Related News
- Registration CLOSED for Atlanta Regional Training Seminar
- Have a Tip? Share Your News with SMART-TD!
- New California Law Protects Transit Workers
- National Rail Tentative Agreement Update: Q&As Complete, Voting Set to Begin
- From Skeptic to Supporter: Members Work Across the Aisle to Tackle Rail Safety
- Two Training Tracks Are FULL for Upcoming Atlanta Regional Meeting
- How Does a Government Shutdown Impact the Offices Members Rely On?
- The Truth From Within: General Chairpersons From CSX Statement on Departure of CEO Joe Hinrichs
- Update on National Rail Contract –Make Sure You Get Your Ballot
- Two RRB Field Offices Move to New Locations