9/11 Memorial Exec Quits Amid Criminal Probe

The construction executive in charge of the 9/11Memorial and other major New York City projects abruptly resigned yesterday amid a federal criminal probe into padded bills, the New York Daily News reports. James Abadie's employer, Bovis Lend Lease, is being investigated over allegations it inflated overtime bills on projects, including the memorial and the New York Mets' new stadium.

Officials with the 9/11 Memorial said the project would stay on track despite the resignation of Abadie, a key player in the aftermath of the terrorist attack. "This is a tragedy for Bovis and for the entire construction industry," said the chief of the Building Trades Employers Association. "You won't find a more straightforward, more knowledgeable guy in the entire industry." (More James Abadie stories.)