United States files a civil complaint against Boutique Air, Inc., seeking to enforce penalties totaling $291,417 for alleged noncompliance with federal drug and alcohol testing regulations. The FAA found that 21 employees were cleared for safety-sensitive roles beyond the required 30-day limit without proper checks.
Boutique Air, a San Francisco-based air carrier, is accused of violating regulations by not conducting mandatory drug and alcohol records checks on these employees, who held positions such as mechanics, pilots, and ground security coordinators. The alleged violations occurred between August 2020 and September 2021.
The FAA issued a letter to Boutique Air on September 22, 2023, outlining the findings and demanding payment of the civil penalty. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sapna Mehta is handling the case, which is currently under investigation by the FAA.
Boutique Air’s failure to comply with federal regulations governing drug and alcohol testing is a serious concern for aviation safety. FAA-certified air carriers are bound by strict rules on workplace testing, records checks, training, reporting, and recordkeeping requirements.
The U.S. Attorney Craig H. Missakian and FAA Chief Counsel Liam McKenna announced the charges against Boutique Air. This case serves as a stark reminder of the consequences for airlines that fail to adhere to critical safety protocols.
According to the complaint, Boutique Air’s violations put public safety at risk by allowing employees to perform safety-sensitive duties without proper vetting. The maximum penalty allowed under federal regulations is $291,417, and the complaint seeks the full amount.
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Key Facts
- State: California
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|White Collar Crime|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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