Contracted subway guard accused of pocketing cash for OMNY taps in Brooklyn
SUNSET PARK, Brooklyn (WABC) -- Investigators say a contracted subway security guard, who was hired to stop fare beaters, was instead taking cash in exchange for OMNY taps through the gates.
The guard, who was hired by Allied Universal Security, is accused of taking cash from subway commuters and tapping them into the system using an OMNY card assigned to the New York City Department of Education for student use.
It happened in Brooklyn at the 8th Avenue-N line station's main entrance.
Officials say the guard pocketed the money without informing her employer or New York City Transit.
The Office of the MTA Inspector General said there is video evidence of five separate incidents where the guard appeared to take cash for taps.
The Inspector General, who is appointed by the governor to oversee misconduct within the transit system, said the guard admitted she sold the OMNY taps for cash.
She initially claimed she used her own, personally funded card, but officials say when she was informed it was a DOE student card, she said she found it on the street.
Once presented with the surveillance video, officials say the guard apologized and said she felt bad for people who can't afford the $3 fare.
NYC Transit told the OIG it has prohibited the guard from working for the agency and that the contractor was conducting a full review of its policies and procedures.
"The gate guards are paid to deter farebeating and provide a sense of security to the riding public, not to improperly sell subway system entry and pocket the cash," said IG Daniel Cort. "I am grateful to the rider who reported this misconduct and appreciate NYC Transit's thorough response, which led to the guard's removal from working in the subway system."
The MTA says most of the contractors have done a good job keeping the gates closed. But in this case, a spokesperson says the guard will never work on MTA property again:
"Taking cash to illegally swipe riders into the subway is the exact conduct this person was assigned to prevent," the spokesperson said.
The MTA Inspector General concluded the employee's actions were so minor they do not warrant criminal referral.
"Even though it didn't involve a large amount of money, we think that it's important to send a message to vendors, contractors, and to the MTA employees that we are out there and that we are, being vigilant," Cort said.
A spokesperson with Allied Universal said the guard was hired in 2024 and underwent the appropriate training. She has since been fired.
It comes as the MTA has been trying to crack down on fare evasion at some of its busiest stations.
Reports show the MTA lost more than $900 million to fare evasion in 2024 - and has since been installing new turnstiles to prevent the practice.
----------
* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts
* Download our connected TV app
Submit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness News
Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply.
