Philadelphia, October 8, 2009 – City of Philadelphia Inspector General, Amy L. Kurland, District Attorney Lynn Abraham and Philadelphia Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey announce that former City employee Mona Lamberson was arrested and charged with various theft offenses and obstruction of law, and soliciting others to violate the law.

According to the complaint, Lamberson stole approximately 28 city cell phones and Blackberrys, and provided them to eight city employees, friends and family to use.  These individuals paid Lamberson cash each month for the use of the phones and then used the phones extensively.  Lamberson kept this cash.  This unauthorized use of city phones cost the city approximately $30,000.  Had the individuals not taken advantage of the city’s rates and discounts, the cost of the phones and the minute use would have been approximately $134,668. 

Lamberson is also charged with obstruction.  According to the complaint, once the OIG police detective began questioning witnesses, Lamberson advised the individuals who had illegal phones to “DAK” (deny all knowledge) and to dispose of the phones and SIM cards

“Ms. Lamberson’s arrest is another example of the Philadelphia Police Force and the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) to root out corruption,” said Inspector General Kurland.  “While most City workers are ethical, this arrest should send a message that misconduct will not be tolerated.”