Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Former Jacksonville Transit Authority Manager Arrested

News4Jax

A former Jacksonville Transportation Authority manager was arrested Tuesday and charged with stealing nearly $400,000 from the company. 

Robert Franques is charged with stealing the money from June 2014 through May of this year, according to his arrest report.

Citing the ongoing state attorney’s office investigation, a JTA spokeswoman declined an interview. But in a written statement, she said Franques was fired April 1, during a company reorganization. JTA then discovered the financial irregularities and turned the matter over to the sheriff’s office.

The Jacksonville Transportation Authority is funded with sales-tax revenue to manage road construction projects in Duval County.  

Jessica Palombo oversees local news at WJCT News 89.9 and Jacksonville Today. An award-winning writer and journalist with a master’s degree in broadcast and digital journalism from Syracuse University and bachelor's in journalism from the University of Florida, Jessica is a nearly lifelong resident of Jacksonville who considers herself lucky to be raising her kids here. You may have once seen her on a local community theater stage. These days, she enjoys trying new restaurants, reading and swimming.