Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) is set to welcome Nathaniel Ford as its next chief executive at the end of October. However, the Florida Attorney General’s Office has opened a criminal investigation into Ford’s tenure as head of the Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA), citing concerns over spending that may have violated state and federal rules.
Investigation details
The probe focuses on a series of expenses incurred under Ford’s leadership, including reimbursements for massages, murals, hotel stays abroad and tuition assistance for senior staff. Records obtained by former JTA board member Megan Hayward show that the authority spent $171,000 on hotel accommodations over roughly 18 months, with individual trips such as a $4,264.51 stay in London, $1,606.50 in Madrid and $9,000 for a Valencia visit by two executives.
Florida officials have also requested all text messages and emails exchanged between Ford, his wife and consultant Kenston Griffin from October 2023 through March 2025. Subpoenas have been issued to Ford and Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan.
Impact on Jacksonville transit riders
JTA is confronting a $39 million budget shortfall. To stay afloat, the authority has eliminated 194 positions and reduced bus routes, prompting concerns from commuters and local businesses about reduced service quality.
Hayward, who was appointed to the JTA board by the mayor before being removed after raising spending questions, warned that the cuts disproportionately affect the most vulnerable riders. “The people at the bottom of this transportation totem pole are paying for all of the money that was spent somewhere by the executive team,” she said.
Ford’s move to North Texas
Despite the investigation, Ford remains on track to assume his DART role within a week of the subpoena deadline. FOX 4 reached out for comment, but Ford has not responded, and DART’s board chair declined to discuss whether the hiring decision will be reconsidered.
JTA must produce the requested records by Oct. 20, after which the investigation will continue.
What this means for DART riders
While the probe centers on Ford’s prior employment, DART officials have not indicated any immediate impact on Dallas transit operations. The agency continues to focus on its own budget and service plans for the Dallas‑Fort Worth metro area.
Original reporting: Dallas – Ft. Worth Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
