Metra employees cautioned after shakedown scandal

It shouldn't be necessary, but Metra's new CEO is warning employees against any unethical behavior in the wake of an investigation into whether a former executive attempted to shakedown a movie producer.

The retired manager of special transportation services is accused of trying to extort $2,000 from the local producers of “Source Code,” a thriller shot using Metra trains and featuring depictions of one exploding.

Agency CEO Alex Clifford said Friday he's issuing a memo to staff outlining duties and responsibilities as well as reviewing the agency's protocol regarding filming Metra property. Metra trains have been featured in numerous movies including “Transformers: Dark of the Moon.” Although the “Transformers” movie earned Metra $185,000,” “Source Code” only garnered $44,000.

The allegations of extortion were handed over to Metra's interim inspector general Hillard Heintze in January, which is also looking at whether improprieties occurred with other filming contracts.

Clifford could not say if any penalties will be imposed on the retired employee, who made $73,000 annually, should the allegations be proven true. The circumstances surrounding the retirement will also be reviewed, Clifford said.

When the allegations first surfaced, the employee was no longer at Metra and no inspector general was in place, Metra spokeswoman Judy Pardonnet said.

Along with the “Source Code” uproar, Metra is trying to move past a 2010 financial misconduct scandal involving its deceased Executive Director Phil Pagano.

When hearing of the latest issue, “my heart sank,” Clifford said. “It's another contribution to tough and tumultuous times.”