MTA big is off his dreams
Sleepy security boss ‘held out of service’
An MTA security boss caught sleeping on the job has finally been “taken out of service,” thanks to an internal investigation launched after The Post exposed his ontheclock naps.
Last Monday, special inspector supervisor Anthony George — who oversaw transit supervisors in charge of protecting train yards, bus depots and MTA buildings — was removed from his post and asked not to return to work, pending further investigation, according to an MTA spokeswoman.
The Post reported in May how George, a 26year veteran with the MTA, regularly snoozed through his shifts without worry — although transit sources say other workers have been suspended after being caught closing their eyes for just a few minutes.
Since then, five more photos of George sleeping on the job have emerged — all taken this year prior to May, the sources said.
Although he doesn’t snore, the sources say he’s notorious for sleep talking.
In one video, a manager on the 9p.m.to5a.m. shift is seen repeatedly trying to wake George from a deep slumber. The manager tries several times to rouse George by yelling his name, but the heavy sleeper doesn’t even budge, according to the video.
One photo obtained by The Post, shows George out cold despite a large cup of coffee sitting on his desk.
George’s work history includes other blights, such as crashing agency vehicles on the job — leading him to rely on public transportation to complete his field duties, the sources said. It was a short time after the crash incidents that George was switched to working the midnight tour, they said.
Despite his spotty record, the delinquent worker was able to not only keep his job but managed to receive a promotion in 2011 due in part to his close friendship with recently ousted deputy chief Ralph Misiti, the sources said.
George and Misiti were close enough that the George traveled to Florida to attend Misiti’s wedding, the sources added.
Misiti was fired in June following an investigation into suspected cronyism and nepotism in the MTA’s Department of Security.
George “slept his whole career away,” said one whistleblower. “Just goes to show you the power of cronyism.”
Last year, George earned more than $86,000 from the MTA, including overtime pay and cashing in vacation days.
An MTA spokeswoman said that taking George off the job is not a disciplinary move.
“While no disciplinary action has been taken to date, Anthony George is being held out of service, pending continuing review of the findings of the investigation,” she said.