Latest news with #MarcusWilson
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- Yahoo
MTA sneakerhead ran shoe business at work, bookmarked 350 raunchy sites on official computer: report
This sneakerhead is headed for the unemployment line. An MTA techie was fired for running a sneaker business on the job, using an agency car to transport shoes – and bookmarking 350 porn sites on his work computer, officials said. A special investigation found Metropolitan Transportation Authority computer support analyst Marcus Wilson also had several other side gigs, including working for a package delivery company, a snow removal company and as an airline baggage handler, according to findings of the probe released Thursday. 'This employee brazenly used MTA resources for his sneaker business and worked multiple outside jobs without permission — thanks in part to a woeful lack of supervision,' said MTA Inspector General Daniel G. Cort, who conducted the investigation. 'His manipulation of the timekeeping system and breach of trust cost him his job and put his supervisor on notice – demonstrating that this type of misconduct and failure to supervise can have serious consequences.' The names of the alleged wrongdoer and his supervisor were provided to The Post via a Freedom of Information Law request and not included in the initial findings. The MTA hired Wilson in June 2017, and he served as a troubleshooter who traveled to different stations to handle tech glitches that affect customer services including with computer hardware and software. He also was assigned to Jamaica Central Control Computer Support when serving as a computer analyst. His position required him to work in the field and he operated an MTA pool vehicle traveling to various locations in Nassau County, Queens, and Brooklyn. On 113 dates between October 2021 and February 2024, Wilson either worked at his non-MTA job during his MTA work hours or modified his scheduled MTA hours without prior permission to accommodate his outside employment, the report said. A review of Wilson's timekeeping records allegedly showed he did not regularly clock in and out. Among the findings in the report: His supervisor said the employee brought boxes of sneakers into the office and kept them in his cubicle, and alleged he sold some kicks to other workers.. Wilson accessed eBay, PayPal and various sneaker-related websites on his MTA work computer on 44 dates — including when he visited links for a $135 pair of Air Jordan strawberry and cream-colored women's sneakers. There were more than 300 non-MTA-related emails in his MTA email account pertaining to his outside work, including sneaker purchase orders and banking information. Wilson admitted to bringing the MTA car to his home, in violation of agency rules. Richard Aebly, his manager, told investigators he advised Wilson that peddling sneakers in the office was 'impermissible,' and he stopped the scheme, the report said. Aebly was docked 'two general wage increases' and denied teleworking privileges and promotional opportunities for 24 months, according to the IG. Reached by phone Thursday, he said he wasn't allowed to discuss the probe. In addition to his various side hustles, Wilson allegedly synced his personal Google account to the Google Chrome application on his MTA computer, including bookmarks to more than 350 pornographic websites, the findings stated. The IG report concluded that Wilson failed to cooperate with the investigation by refusing to answer questions, or provided 'untruthful and contradictory information.' The MTA said it acted swiftly when hearing of the multiple violations of MTA rules and state law. 'Abuse of time and taxpayer funded resources or engaging in any outside activity that interferes with employees' duties violates the MTA's Code of Ethics and betrays the public's trust,' MTA spokesperson Meghan Keegan said. 'The behavior described in this report is offensive and will not be tolerated. 'That employee has since been terminated and their manager has been disciplined.' Wilson was not immediately available for comment.
Associated Press
25-03-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
Gilead Sciences: Using Lessons From the HIV Epidemic To Help Reduce Stigma Around Lung Cancer
HIV infection and lung cancer have little in common from a disease perspective, but the stigma that surrounds both can negatively impact patients and their treatment. Now lessons learned from the HIV epidemic are helping people living with lung cancer and their loved ones. During the first years of the HIV epidemic, some of the initial stigmatizing beliefs were that the virus only impacted men who have sex with men and that it was possible to contract it by sharing utensils or being in close confines with a person living with HIV. This helped contribute to acts of discrimination and an atmosphere of blame, and in some cases prevented people from getting diagnosed or seeking care. People diagnosed with lung cancer face similar stigma challenges because of the known link to tobacco use – despite the National Cancer Institute's estimate that 10-20% of people with lung cancer in the United States are non-smokers. As with HIV, the blame and stigma surrounding this disease can decrease the likelihood that someone experiencing symptoms will seek care. 'Stigma isn't just a social issue; it's a public health crisis.' says Marcus Wilson, Gilead Senior Director, U.S. Public Affairs, HIV Advocacy. 'It determines the quality of care that people receive; whether they feel safe seeking care and, ultimately, their health outcomes.' Gilead recently partnered with GRYT Health to host a New Lens on Lung Cancer workshop where people living with lung cancer and their loved ones shared their experience with stigma. Rhonda Meckstroth's husband, Jeff, who had no history of tobacco use, was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2015. 'The first question was always, 'Is he a smoker?'' she says. 'We innately felt shame and guilt and would tell people he had been diagnosed with cancer, but we didn't want to say lung cancer.' 'People project their ideas of why you have lung cancer,' says Aurora Lucas, who was diagnosed at 28 years old. 'Within seconds they come up with absurd ideas.' She notes that some people speculated that it could be because she worked in a nail salon. Others incorrectly assumed it might be due to the building materials used in her childhood home in the Philippines. As in the early days of the HIV epidemic, the lung cancer community quickly realized how important it is to advocate for themselves, both in and out of the clinic. In Jeff's case, his care was in a rural health care system where doctors weren't always familiar with the latest research or the clinical trials available for lung cancer — or the fact that there are other risk factors besides tobacco use. 'Because Jeff didn't fit the criteria for lung cancer, his diagnosis was delayed for about six months,' says Rhonda. 'I quickly learned that instead of being angry when people asked me if Jeff had a history of tobacco use, I use it as a platform for education, and to put blame where it needs to be, which is on the tobacco industry.' 'We have so much to learn from the HIV community,' says Jeff Stibelman, who was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2021 after doctors also initially overlooked it on a scan he had done previously in 2017. 'I remember a billboard, it was of all people: old, young, black, white, Hispanic, Asian. All it said was: 'This is What HIV looks like.' That's what I want for our community.' 'Anyone with lungs can have lung cancer,' concludes Aurora. 'It's time to remove the blame.'
