Have you observed something about the Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District (MTD) that doesn't seem right? We want to know. As part of MTD's commitment to accountability to the taxpayers and residents of the District, we ask that you report activities that you believe are or may result in fraud, waste, or abuse, or significant violations of MTD policies, regulations, or rules. Please help us by reporting fraud, waste, and abuse by MTD employees, or on MTD vehicles or properties, below.
What is fraud, waste, and abuse?
Fraud, for purposes of this reporting process, is an intentional act of deceit or dishonesty, or misrepresentation of a material fact, by which a benefit is obtained for the District, or where a benefit is obtained because of an individual's duties or functions within the District. Fraud may also be made by an omission or purposeful failure to state material facts, when nondisclosure makes other statements misleading. Fraud can take many forms, such as bribery, forgery, theft, corruption, conspiracy, misappropriation of funds or resources, false representation, concealment of material facts, and collusion. Fraud may also involve misuse of District time or assets, or other situations in which non-monetary benefits are obtained. Falsifying an invoice or travel voucher to obtain reimbursement for expenses that were not incurred, or that do not relate to MTD business, is an example of fraud.
Waste generally involves inappropriate management of government resources or funds that causes taxpayers not to receive reasonable value for their money in connection with government-funded activities.
Abuse includes misuse of governmental authority or position for personal financial benefit or those of an immediate or close family member or business associate.
Fraud, waste, and abuse may or may not involve violations of the law.
What fraud allegations should be reported?
The Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District will accept allegations of fraud, waste, and abuse involving the District, its officers, and its employees only.
Who may submit information related to an allegation of fraud?
Anyone who is part of, or interacts with, the Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District may submit relevant information, including District employees, District contractors, and citizens or residents of MTD’s operating district.
How can I report allegations of fraud?
Please complete the form on MTD’s website. It is sent directly to independent legal team for review and investigation.
Am I required to identify myself?
No. All information submitted will be reviewed, even anonymously, to determine whether the issue falls within MTD’s authority and whether follow-up action is appropriate. However, if you choose not to identify yourself, the attorney’s (and ultimately, MTD’s) ability to follow up on your allegations may be limited.
If I identify myself, will attorneys keep my identity confidential?
No. Your identity may be revealed to persons outside the legal team. Attorneys may refer allegations of fraud to law enforcement authorities or other governmental entities with jurisdiction over the alleged fraud. Attorneys will review each allegation to determine whether it will be referred to MTD’s Human Resources and/or passed on to another appropriate law enforcement or investigatory entity. Whistleblower protections may be available to you if your identity is revealed and you suffer retaliation as a result of your allegation. However, you may wish to withhold identifying information if you believe referral to another agency may jeopardize you in some way.
What if I believe I have evidence of a crime?
The independent legal team responding is not an investigatory or law enforcement agency. If you believe you have evidence of a crime involving a District officer or employee, you should report your information to local law enforcement or the Champaign County State's Attorney's Office. Please note that the responding attorneys cannot give legal advice to individuals reporting allegations of fraud.