Odimgbe out as RIPTA chief executive

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) -- The chief executive officer of the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority has agreed to leave the post, five months after he was placed on paid administrative leave for undisclosed reasons.

Odimgbe was placed on paid leave last August. The move came after Odimgbe discovered that a security camera had been covered up in an area where cash bus fares are handled. State police launched an investigation, but have yet to announce any findings.

"We just got to the point where we agreed it was better if we all went our separate ways," said RIPTA Board Director Scott Avedisian. "There is a criminal investigation still ongoing over the cash room and the state police continue to investigate there. This is a separate issue 100%"

Avedisian says he is not allowed to say what that issue is.

“I greatly appreciate the boards decision. I believe it’s in the best interest of the authority. It brings closure and having closure is in the best interest of authority.  I believe Charles Odimgbe’s management skills, or lack thereof, was his eventual downfall. The agency can now move forward in a positive direction. With all due respect, I wish Odimgbe great success in the future,” said Paul Harrington, President of RIPTA Union.

Eyewitness News obtained a copy of the separation agreement which state publicly funded RIPTA will pay Odimgbe $130,000 in severance pay. He will also be able to cash in on unused sick and vacation time. REcords show Odimgbe will be cut a check for an additional $15,558 for 25 sick and vacation days.

Odimgbe's lawyer declined to comment Monday.