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
- Union Pacific Deemed “Serial Violator” of FRSA, OSHA Slaps Railroad with Hefty Penalty
- Make Plans to Attend a Regional Training Seminar Today!
- Tenacity Yields Strong Contract for Local 1909 School Bus Drivers
- Natick Station Reopens in Massachusetts
- Is Your Family Paying the Price for Your Job?
- Transit Funding Crisis Deepens
- Submit Your Local Pride T-Shirt Design Ideas by August 20!
- UPDATE: Hotel Reservation Deadline Extended for Anaheim Regional Training Seminar
- New SMART Union Mobile App Update Available
- Support SMART-TD Brother Who Lost His Leg in Denver Derailment