Police Bust Fake ID Ring

KOCO Channel 5 News ^ | 11/01/2005 | KOCO Ch.5

[LibertyRocks]

NORMAN, Okla. -- Hundreds of students are now under investigation after fake IDs are found on the University of Oklahoma campus.

Police said the latest rash of fake IDs have come from Dallas and that an OU fraternity member is selling the bogus Texas driver's licenses for about $100 each. Experts say these IDs are so close to the real thing that they're virtually undetectable.

"The ones coming out of Texas are really good, and they're getting better," said O'Connell's bartender Todd Emerson.

Emerson has confiscated dozens of fake IDs at the Norman pub.

"Most of these IDs are pretty bad," he said.

Norman police said they have turned over the fraternity member's computer to the Secret Service, which is tracking the names and identities of hundreds of students who tried to buy one of those fake IDs.

However, students who are in possession have a chance to turn in their fake ID without being charged with a crime -- if they turn them in before Nov. 18. Police indicated that they already have the names of the people who purchased fake IDs from the OU fraternity member.

Detectives said they'll accept the IDs in person, or you can simply mail then in.

[GovernmentShrinker]

Not until our laws are changed so that 18-21 year olds are no longer entitled to taxpayer subsidy of a 4 year party called "college", and criminal and liability laws are changed to hold people fully responsible for acts they commit while drunk or otherwise intoxicated.

[mysterio]

If they shouldn't be allowed to vote until 21, then they should not ever be allowed to be tried as adults.

[LibertyRocks]

According to the video available at the above link the Secret Service is investigating and students may face Federal Charges if they do not turn in their IDs before Nov. 18th.

I don't necessarily agree with your proposed solution regarding all who use fake IDs. I think it should be taken on a case by case basis - if they are trying to buy alcohol, or get into a bar I say that's much less of a crime than using it to create a false identity. As for the organizer of this ring though - I would say he definitely deserves harsh punishment.

[martin_fierro]

Fake I.D.s? Domestic acts of terrorism in Norman, OK? Naaah, nothing to see here. Silly me.

[LibertyRocks]

I personally can't wait to find out what fraternity this kid belongs to and/or what organizations on campus he participates in...

[E Rocc]

Underage-18 drinking is illegal, dangerous....but the drinking age, as it stands, is ridiculous.

And, of course, is fueling a market for fake IDs that empowers the unethical and has other collateral dangers as well.

-Eric

[LibertyRocks]

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=oubombing

[mysterio]

Bet you that they don't find one terrorist in this whole mix.

"Terrorism" is the government's new buzzword to get and do whatever it wants.

This is a bunch of college kids doing exactly what most of you did at that age. Unless you grew up before the stupid 21 drinking age. And in that case, they're still doing what you were probably doing at that age.

I've found as I've gotten older that most people want to live it up while they are young, and then they spend the rest of their lives trying to keep their kids from doing the same.

[LibertyRocks]

"Bet you that they don't find one terrorist in this whole mix."

If they did they would never admit it... the standard statement in Oklahoma through the FBI since the OKC Bombing is "no ties to terrorism have been found".

Then again, I wonder how this ring was busted in the first place. Was it attached to the ongoing investigation?

[Wiseghy]

This issue goes to heart of the illegal immigration issue. Most illegals I encounter have very convincing ID's and work papers. Employers have no way or real incentive to verify their validity.

[MizSterious]

Whoever is making these is probably not limiting their sales to college kids who just want to drink while underage. I'm pretty sure they'd sell to anyone who pays them. Including those who have terror on their minds.

[martin_fierro]

How soon we forget.

[George Smiley]

You made me think of JSG Boggs, the artist whose currency-like works

have gotten him in hot water with more than one government.

[LibertyRocks]

More coverage:

Norman police investigate fake Texas driver's licenses
http://www.kfor.com/Global/story.asp?S=4053941&nav=6uy6

Hundreds Of Fake Texas ID Cards Surface In Oklahoma
http://www.nbc5i.com/news/5223185/detail.html

[Phantom Lord]

I read the article twice to make sure I didn't miss anything. But nowhere in the article could I find any reference to fake IDs.

[Phantom Lord]

And the Fake ID aspect of that story?

[wallcrawlr]

I say jack it up to 25.

or...a major societal crackdown on underage and binge drinking would be welcomed too.

[LibertyRocks]

There is no mention in any of the news reports as to the person's name, or which fraternity he belongs to. I guess that might change once charges are actually filed.

[Phantom Lord]

I say your out of your mind, a control freak, or in fear that some where, someone is possibly having a good time.

Or all of the above.

[ARealMothersSonForever]

They shouldn't be allowed to vote beyond the local level, and they're volunteering for the military these days (which is as it should be).

All male Americans are required to this very day to register with the selective service at their local Post Office upon attaining age 18. I detect just a whiff of totalitarianism, and elitism in these posts. Women and Indians and Mexicans should likewise have voting and alcohol restrictions if this logic follows.