NJ Busts License Scam Ring

Thirty-six people, including eight Department of Motor Vehicles employees, have been indicted for trafficking in fake driver's licenses and other forms of state-issued identification, officials announced Monday.

Authorities said those indicted were part of four independent networks that helped create and disseminate fake documents to customers who could not otherwise obtain them legally. Customers then used the fake documents to lease cars or obtain jobs.

The indictments are a result of an ongoing investigation called "Operation Identity Theft."

"Identity theft goes to the heart of security," said Peter C. Harvey, first assistant attorney general and director of the Division of Criminal Justice. "And Gov. McGreevey and the Attorney General David Samson have made homeland security a priority."

There is no evidence that any of those indicted in this case have links to terrorist networks, however, Harvey said. The DMV workers implicated in the scam have been fired, authorities said.

One of those indicted made $100,000 selling fake documents within a six- to eight-month period, Harvey said. The former employees assisted scams at every step of the licensing process, from learner's permits to driving and written tests, Harvey said.

Also indicted were several "brokers," non-DMV employees who helped disseminate the fake documents. They sold fake driver's licenses, passports, Social Security cards and county IDs, authorities said.

The indictments follow a two-year, multi-agency investigation and are part of McGreevey's effort to reform the DMV, said Transportation Commissioner Jamie Fox.

Part of the problem, said Fox, is that DMV workers are paid the same amount as fast-food workers. The department's computer system also hasn't been updated in 20 years, he said.

"Reforms will take time," Fox said. "Fifteen years of neglect will not be overturned overnight."

Earlier this month, the state's new DMV chief, Diane M. Legreide, announced plans to replace most of the agents who run New Jersey's DMV offices. She said the new agents would fire employees suspected of corruption.

Unlike state employees, workers at the 45 privately run DMV agencies can be fired for any reason.

Article continues below

---

advertisement

---

Author: 6 ABC-AP