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Former JTA project manager accused of stealing nearly $400K

A former Jacksonville Transportation Authority project manager is in jail, accused of stealing $394,624.65 from his one-time employer.

JTA said red flags started popping up after Robert Franques was fired from his job as a design and construction project manager in April.

Jacksonville Sheriff's Office report said Franques is suspected of stealing the money between June 1, 2014, and May 4, 2016.

That end date is about a month after JTA fired him.

Action News Jax got a hold of Franques’ personnel file through a Freedom of Information Act request.

It shows JTA fired him during “reorganization.”

JTA released a statement explaining that the agency later discovered irregularities during a routine financial review and turned the information over to JSO.

JSO arrested Franques at a Deerwood law office on Tuesday. The people inside wouldn’t tell Action News Jax why he was there.

He’s now charged with grand theft.

Franques’ personnel record shows he was making $97,160.03 a year.

He was disciplined twice last year for behavioral concerns: making inappropriate statements about the Confederate flag, and using foul and provocative language.

A 2013 memo also documents his “excessive” use of sick leave.

Franques’ only criminal history in Duval County was a speeding ticket.

A JTA spokesperson for the said the missing money is unlikely to affect the cost of bus fares.

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