Atlanta TSA Agent Charged With Faking Cancer For 5 Years

A former Transportation Security Administration agent in Atlanta has been arrested after being accused of faking a cancer diagnosis for five years to get out of work.

Security officer Marc Bess told his employers in 2009 he had abdominal lymphoma when he was actually cancer-free according to WSB-TV. Investigators say Bess forged a physician’s notes detailing radiation, surgery and other supposedly necessary treatments.

He’s scheduled for a May 11 plea hearing on charges of embezzlement and stealing public money. He is currently out on bail.

Court records filed by the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia show that investigators believe Bess took 2,240 hours, or 280 days, in paid sick leave donated to him by his fellow employees.

A call to Bess’ attorney’s office was not immediately returned.