Former Valley Metro CEO Admits to Misusing Public Funds

PHOENIX - Attorney General Mark Brnovich announced former CEO of Valley Metro, Stephen Banta, has pled guilty to one count of Fraudulent Schemes and Practices, a class five felony.

The Office of the Auditor General investigated and identified that Banta misused his authority at Valley Metro to pay $32,491 in expenses for personal travel and dining, of which $3,285.69 related to the use of public monies.  On September 10, 2018, Banta entered into a plea agreement with a stipulation to probation. The terms and conditions of the probation will be left to the court.

The State is not seeking restitution because Valley Metro already recouped the costs via a previous agreement with Banta.

Assistant Attorney General Joseph Waters prosecuted the case.

Banta will be sentenced on November 7, 2018 at Maricopa County Superior Court.

Full copy of the plea agreement.