Former Valley Metro CEO Stephen Banta pleaded guilty to a felony count of fraudulent schemes and practices on Wednesday.
According to the Arizona Attorney General's Office, Banta and his wife had Valley Metro picking up the bill on multiple personal expenses including travel costs, meals, alcohol purchases and more, leading Banta to falsify Valley Metro records to cover up wrongdoing.
The Arizona Attorney General's Office said the total cost of personal expenses was $32,491. The office has requested the Office of the Auditor General to help in the investigation.
Banta resigned from Valley Metro in 2015 and the two parties settled a legal dispute in 2016 where Banta said he was owed money and Valley Metro agreed to pay him $180,000.
Now, Banta faces up to one year in prison and a $150,000 fine.
