The man set to lead Dallas Area Rapid Transit is now linked to a Florida state investigation. Nathaniel Ford Sr., who is slated to become DART’s next chief executive, has been named in a subpoena issued by the Florida attorney general’s office targeting the Jacksonville Transportation Authority.
Ford previously served as the head of the Jacksonville Transportation Authority before taking the role with DART. Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier’s Office of Statewide Prosecution issued the subpoena to JTA officials who confirmed receiving it on September 29.
The subpoena requests agency records spanning from 2023 to 2025 and specifically seeks communications involving Ford, including emails and text messages. Records tied to Ford’s spouse and the owner of an outside consulting firm are also being sought by investigators.
The scope of the investigation appears broad. Investigators are requesting documents related to tuition reimbursement, payments made for massages and murals, credit card statements and ridership data connected to the agency’s autonomous vehicle program which has faced significant scrutiny.
The JTA’s autonomous vehicle initiative has been a point of controversy for the Jacksonville transit system. Questions surrounding contracts and financial decisions made during that period appear to be at the center of the state’s inquiry.
Ford’s appointment to lead DART came as the Dallas agency sought new leadership to guide one of the largest transit systems in North Texas. His previous experience running a major transit authority was cited as a key qualification for the position.
The subpoena does not constitute criminal charges and Ford has not been accused of any wrongdoing at this time. The investigation is in an early stage and it remains unclear what conclusions Florida prosecutors may draw from the records they are seeking.
DART has not yet publicly commented on the Florida investigation involving its incoming CEO. The Jacksonville Transportation Authority confirmed receipt of the subpoena to Jacksonville Today which is a nonprofit news outlet based in Florida.