The city?s Department of Transportation was aware of bogus parking tickets two years ago, but did nothing about it, according to a parking enforcement agent who filed a complaint about fake tickets being issued.
The agent?s allegations contradict city officials? assertions that fake ticketing was limited to one employee and was an isolated incident that occurred this year.
Parking agent Sherrell Keene-el said she filed what is known as a “95 report” with the DOT in 2005, alleging an agent she was working with was writing tickets to motorists who were legally parked.
“She was walking down the street, jotting down numbers, writing the tickets and throwing the tickets away even though the vehicles weren?t in violation,” Keene-el told The Examiner.
“I reported it to my supervisors and they did nothing.”
City Inspector General Hilton Green, who is investigating the reports of bogus tickets, said he was “aware” of the 95 report but declined to comment.
Keene-el, a seven-year veteran, said she decided to come forward to clear the name of honest agents ? calling the media reports of bogus tickets “the tip of the iceberg.”
“There are many good agents, but unfortunately they didn?t do anything about the ones who were doing things wrong,” she said.
“Tickets are legal documents. I take my job seriously. These agents reflect badly on the rest of us.”
Mayor Sheila Dixon?s spokesman, Anthony McCarthy, said the mayor was “concerned” about reports of fake ticketing.
“We are going to refrain from commenting until the inspector general finishes his investigation; however, the mayor remains very concerned about things she is hearing from citizens about unwarranted tickets,” he said.
Gov. Martin O?Malley, who was mayor when the complaint was filed, declined to comment. His spokesman referred calls to the city?s DOT.
DOT officials did not respond to several e-mails and a phone call for comment on Keene-el?s allegations.
The Examiner first reported bogus tickets when two Canton residents said they received tickets for being illegally parked on the same street in Little Italy at the same time while their cars were parked at home. Both tickets were signed by H. West.
Alfred Foxx, director of DOT, said the agent who wrote those tickets ? whom he declined to identify ? had been suspended, but called it an “isolated” incident with only that agent.
Keene-el said the agent whom she complained about is not the agent who was suspended.
Asked if she was concerned about the backlash of going public, Keene-el said the agency used to be “a great place to work” but has gone downhill since qualified agents have left.
“I know what I am saying is the truth, so I?m not worried.
“Somebody has to speak out.”
