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The Northeast Illinois Regional Commuter Railroad Corp.’s (Metra) board has contracted law firm Sotos & Associates to conduct an independent investigation into reports of "potential irregularities" involving Metra Executive Director Phil Pagano.

The investigation will focus on, but not be limited to, alleged unauthorized money paid to Pagano and whether policies and procedures were violated.

Pagano has been put on paid administrative leave of absence during the investigation. Bill Tupper, deputy executive director-operations has been named acting executive director.

As a result of these developments, Metra’s board has also initiated a top-to bottom review of the agency’s financial policies and procedures, focusing on compensation and benefits of all non-contract employees, including the executive director.