Former UTA Employee Sentenced for Lying to Federal Investigators

SALT LAKE CITY- Jacob Splan, 39, of Salt Lake City, was sentenced to six months of home confinement and 36 months of probation on Tuesday, in relation to making false statements to special agents from the United States Department of Transportation and the FBI. 

According to the plea agreement, Splan admitted to lying to federal investigators about whether he had invoiced the Utah Transit Authority (UTA) for work completed at his personal residence. Under the terms of Splan’s former employment with UTA, he had the authority to make no-bid “micro purchases” on behalf of UTA in the amount of $3,000.00 or less. However, during a meeting on January 7, 2021, with special agents from the U.S. Department of Transportation and the FBI, Splan affirmatively stated that he had paid $3,000 dollars of his own money to contractors for work completed at his home. Splan later admitted in the plea agreement that he had not paid the contractors with his own money and that he knew the statement was false. In addition to the six months of home confinement, Splan has been ordered to pay a fine of $30,000, which was the estimated value of the work that Splan had completed on his own driveway.  

“One of the highest priorities within the Department of Justice is ensuring the integrity of governmental processes and employees,” said United States Attorney Andrea T. Martinez. “We hope that this sentencing sends a message that misusing public funds and lying to federal investigators will be taken seriously and prosecuted in the District of Utah.”

“Working with our law enforcement counterparts and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to pursue and prosecute government officials who make false statements during criminal investigations ensures that those in positions that serve the public maintain their integrity,” said Cissy Tubbs, Special Agent-In-Charge, Western Region, U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General. “Jacob Splan’s sentence sends a message that this conduct is unlawful and will not be tolerated.”

“Jacob Splan abused his position for his own personal gain and then lied about it,” said Special Agent in Charge Dennis Rice of the Salt Lake City FBI. “No matter the amount of money, corruption undermines confidence in government, and those who commit fraud will be held accountable.” 

Assistant United States Attorneys from the Utah U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case against Splan. Special Agents from the Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General and the FBI conducted the investigation.