Investigations
Former FAA Deputy Regional Administrator Sentenced to 18 Months Probation
On March 23, 2016, Joyce B. Scott, a former FAA Deputy Regional Administrator, Great Lakes Region, Des Plaines, IL, was sentenced to 18 months probation and ordered to pay $24,259 in restitution in U.S. District Court, Chicago, IL.
On October 29, 2015, Scott pleaded guilty to theft related to fraudulently collecting her grandmother’s Social Security benefits for several years after her grandmother passed away.
At the time of the grandmother’s death on November 5, 2004, Scott shared a joint checking account with her grandmother, where her grandmother’s benefits were deposited. Following her death, the benefits continued to be deposited monthly into the account as Scott did not close the account or remove her grandmother’s name from the account. The benefits continued until October 2010 when the Social Security Administration (SSA) discovered that Scott’s grandmother was deceased. Scott spent the benefits deposited into the account for her personal use, totaling $24,259.
In 1984, Scott began her Federal career as a Special Agent with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. In 1989, she transferred to FAA, Civil Aviation Security Division. In January 2008, Scott was promoted and served in the position of Great Lakes Deputy Regional Administrator until FAA terminated her in July 2011.
DOT-OIG conducted this investigation jointly with SSA, Office of Inspector General.