Posted on 07/12/2005 7:39:47 PM PDT by csvset
DMV manager charged with selling licenses to illegitmate applicants
07/12/2005
The manager of the Department of Motor Vehicles office at Springfield Mall was charged Tuesday with selling driver's licenses to illegitimate applicants.
Frank Martinez, 57, of Stafford, was manager at the Springfield location since 2001 and issued more than 40 authentic licenses since January 2004 to people who could not obtain a license legally — mostly illegal immigrants and people with suspended licenses, authorities said.
His clients paid between $2,000 and $3,500 for the licenses, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office in Alexandria, which is prosecuting the case.
Martinez was charged in federal court with conspiracy to commit identification fraud and faces up to 15 years in prison. His wife Miriam Martinez, 56, and another man, Daniel Jose Guardia Lopez, 25, of Alexandria, face an identical charge.
Authorities allege that Miriam Martinez, who had previously worked as a DMV clerk, and Guardia Lopez recruited clients and collected money in the scheme.
DMV spokeswoman Pam Goheen said Frank Martinez is suspended and faces termination if convicted. The illegitimate licenses have been identified and canceled, she said.
Two years ago, federal prosecutors broke up a DMV fraud ring at the Tysons Corner office that had issued more than 1,000 fraudulent licenses.
A similar case last year in suburban Richmond resulted in criminal charges against two DMV employees and revocation of more than 200 licenses.
U.S. Attorney Paul McNulty called Martinez's conduct "reprehensible. As a long-term employee ... Martinez abused his position of leadership and public trust while lining his pockets."
But he said the fact that people are paying up to $3,500 for a fraudulent license shows that efforts to tighten up on ID fraud since the Sept. 11 attacks are paying off.
"A few years ago, one could fraudulently obtain a driver's license for about $100. It now takes up to $3,500 and the involvement of a corrupt clerk," he said.
The arrests stem from a six-month undercover investigation involving special agents from the DMV, FBI and State Department.
Sounds like a Shelbyville sort of idea to me.
My parents used to live in that area. They said NOBODY at the DMV spoke English ... not the customers, not the staff.
"Sounds like a Shelbyville sort of idea to me."
Hey, it put Ogdenville and North Haverbrook on the map!
"Temporary guest drivers" ?
"Driving the unregistered and uninsured cars Americans won't drive" ?
"The illegitimate licenses have been identified and canceled, she said. "
Suspended my arse. Are the pay off perps being criminally charged? If not, why not? Or, is PC crapola going to run amuck again?
I expect he'll be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
"Homeland security"?
Sorry, I must have missed it--what state? Illinois?
What state is this in?
Virginia ... the Washington, DC, suburbs.
Virginia, northern Virginia, outside of D.C..
Virginia's a great state...been there many times. My brother lives near the Huntington Metro station.
Springfield, Virginia, just outside of D.C.
My parents lived in Arlington and Alexandria for years. A lot to be said for it (other than the snow and ice in the winter - they're in their late 60's now) but the DMV was a farce.
I'm sure it's a better state to visit than it is to live. I'm not much into the snow thing myself, though I've been there during Christmas when there was snow on the ground and it was nice. Cold, but nice.
"mostly illegal immigrants and people with suspended licenses,"
Why were these illegals given a license in the first place????
Hey...it's a great place to live. As long as you're south of Fredericksburg!
Thanks.
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