Former Alabama Port Authority Worker Charged With Accessing Confidential Information on Hundreds of Employees

MOBILE, Ala. (BuzzReport)— A former Alabama Port Authority employee is facing multiple criminal charges after investigators accused him of improperly accessing confidential information involving hundreds of fellow employees and using information obtained through the port’s computer system to manipulate aspects of the contracting process.

Daniel Joseph Gill, 55, of Bay Minette, surrendered Tuesday at the Mobile County Metro Jail after learning he was wanted on the charges. At the time, Gill was working for a private company at a military installation in Ohio, according to court records.

Gill is charged with nine counts of computer tampering, seven counts of theft of trademarks or trade secrets and two counts of possession of a forged instrument.

Investigators allege Gill obtained confidential information belonging to 379 Alabama Port Authority employees through the organization’s computer system.

Gill pleaded not guilty Wednesday and was released from jail after posting bond. A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for October 5.

Investigation Expands Beyond Alleged Property Theft

Gill is one of four former employees who have been criminally charged following an internal investigation involving the Alabama Port Authority.

The broader investigation began after allegations surfaced that employees had used port funds to purchase automotive components and other items for personal use.

The Alabama Port Authority confirmed in February that four employees had been terminated following an internal investigation focused on activities at the McDuffie Coal Terminal.

The organization subsequently made changes to its procurement policies, including strengthened internal controls and additional oversight of purchasing and contracting procedures.

Court records show that Frank Bernard Coleman, 57, of Chunchula, pleaded not guilty in June to third-degree theft and waived his right to a preliminary hearing.

Kenneth Wayne Keasler Jr., 42, of Saraland, pleaded not guilty in April to first-degree theft and two counts of possession of a forged instrument. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for September 16.

Gill’s case introduces additional allegations involving the port’s internal computer systems and procurement process.

According to the allegations outlined in court records, investigators determined that Gill accessed confidential information through the port’s computer system and used that information in connection with the bidding process.

Investigators allege the information was used to manipulate the bidding process and steer contracts toward specific companies.

Confidential Information At Center Of Case

The allegations involving Gill appear to center on his access to information that investigators say he was not authorized to obtain or use.

As a former manager specializing in materials handling, Gill reportedly had knowledge of the port’s operations and procurement procedures.

The criminal charges allege that confidential information obtained through the port’s computer system was subsequently used or provided to other parties.

The investigation was initially handled by the Alabama Port Authority Police Department, which referred the allegations to the Mobile County District Attorney’s Office after gathering evidence.

Prosecutors then worked with port police as the investigation continued.

The case highlights the potential consequences of unauthorized access to government-related computer systems, particularly when confidential employee information and public procurement processes are involved.

Port Strengthens Oversight After Investigation

The Alabama Port Authority has previously acknowledged taking steps to strengthen its procurement procedures following the internal investigation.

The changes were designed to increase oversight and establish additional safeguards surrounding the use of port funds and the purchasing process.

The investigation also resulted in the termination of four employees, although the criminal cases involve different allegations and charges against individual former employees.

Gill’s charges are substantially different from the theft allegations previously filed against some of the other former employees, focusing heavily on alleged computer access, confidential information and documents connected to the contracting process.

Case Now Moves Toward Preliminary Hearing

Gill returned to Alabama from Ohio and surrendered to authorities Tuesday. After entering a not-guilty plea Wednesday, he was released on bond.

A judge has scheduled Gill’s preliminary hearing for October 5, when the allegations and evidence supporting the charges are expected to receive further scrutiny.