Thursday, August 18, 2011

DMV Investigation Leads to Additional Arrests of Commercial Drivers with Multiple Licenses



Facial Recognition Technology Helps Identify Drivers Using False IDs

A Department of Motor Vehicles investigation has led to the arrests of 51 commercial drivers, including bus drivers, for fraudulently obtaining multiple driver licenses using an alias.

The arrests were made as the result of the use of facial recognition technology which reviewed the records of 600,000 holders of New York State Commercial Driver Licenses (CDLs).

In addition to the most recent arrests, more than 70 other CDL drivers were arrested based on the use of facial recognition technology earlier this year. Since February of 2010, 800 people have been arrested for having two or more licenses under different aliases.

The drivers who obtained their licenses fraudulently were each charged with Offering a False Instrument in the First Degree and Falsifying Business Records in the Second Degree. Those with excessive unpaid tickets were also charged with Aggravated Unlicensed Operation in the Second Degree.

"With some hi-tech help, the state can now quickly find drivers who think it's acceptable to use an alias to illegally get more than one license," Governor Cuomo said.

"I commend investigators from the Department of Motor Vehicles as well as the local, state and federal agencies that teamed up on this case to help stop this fraud and keep our roads safe."

In addition to the DMV Division of Field Investigations the other agencies involved in the investigations and arrests were the New York City Police Department Document Fraud Squad, the New York State Division of State Police, U. S Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Social Security Administration, the United States Department of State Diplomatic Security Service, and the U.S. Secret Service in cooperation with the offices of the District Attorneys in Queens, New York, Brooklyn, Nassau, Westchester and the Bronx.

Barbara J. Fiala, Commissioner of the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles and Chair of the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee said, "We know that the work of the DMV's Division of Field Investigations in identifying these commercial drivers who are a danger on our highways will bring great benefit to all New Yorkers. I congratulate the DFI staff for their work and thank all those who played an important role in getting these drivers off our roads."

"Individuals who obtain multiple driver licenses misappropriate government benefits, or worse conceal violent criminal histories. I commend the NYPD's Document Fraud Squad, the DMV Division of Field Investigations, and State Police and federal investigators and our District Attorneys for their fine work," stated
New York City Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly.

State Police Superintendent Joseph A. D'Amico noted, "Individuals who fraudulently obtain commercial driver's licenses represent a tremendous potential threat to public safety. These arrests are significant not just because of the apprehension of the individuals involved, but because they demonstrate the effectiveness of the measures being taken to ensure the integrity of New York's licensing system. The State Police and DMV will continue to work cooperatively to prevent unqualified or unsafe drivers from operating commercial motor vehicles on our roads and highways."

According to Queens District Attorney Richard A. Brown, "These arrests show the continuing commitment by Governor Cuomo, the Department of Motor Vehicles and law enforcement officials across the state to keeping our roads safe. Drivers who illegally obtain fraudulent licenses are in all likelihood trying to conceal something in their backgrounds that could put the safety of passengers and other drivers on the road at risk. It is imperative to protect our streets and highways from unsafe and criminal drivers."

Brooklyn District Attorney Charles J. Hynes said, "Law abiding citizens deserve to be protected from those, often untrained drivers, using fraudulent documents to obtain licenses and causing accidents and creating dangerous conditions on our highways. Driving is a privilege and state licensing is a safeguard against criminals who would abuse it. I fully support Governor Cuomo's efforts to crack down on these abuses and will prosecute offenders to the fullest extent of the law."

"Whether they're hiding a lack of training or a dangerous driving record, those who use fraudulent commercial driver licenses are a threat to public safety when they're behind the wheel. I welcome this opportunity to partner with Governor Cuomo and the DMV to take these dangerous drivers off the road," commented
Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen M. Rice.

Westchester County District Attorney Janet DiFiore praised Cuomo and the DMV for their efforts.

"I commend both the Governor and Commissioner of the Department of Motor Vehicles who are actively trying to protect the integrity and security of our State's transportation system through aggressive enforcement and the use of facial recognition technology. With the resurgence of people using Motor Coach travel, law enforcement has to redouble its efforts to combat the use of fake, fraudulent or suspended licenses, making sure that the operators are trained and well qualified, ensuring the public's safety."

Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service New York Field Office, Brian G. Parr said, "The Secret Service believes that building trusted partnerships between all levels of law enforcement is a proven, successful model for combating criminal activity. Through this collaborative approach our New York and New Jersey Electronic Crimes Task Force is able to share our technical expertise and provide logistical support while continuing to augment our advanced detection and prevention efforts."

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