Indictment in False License Case

As a result of a false license scheme uncovered by the Massachusetts State Police Compliance Unit and the Registry of Motor VehiclesAuditors, the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office reported yesterday that indictments were returned against Jaaziel Dallacosta for producing false driver’s licenses, in violation of G.L. c. 90 § 24B, (5 counts), Attempted Falsification of a License, Bribery of a Public Official and Identity Theft.

Dallacosta was involved in a scam with a former Massachusetts Registry (RMV) clerk, who took money to produce false licenses. The former Registry clerk, Ahmed Siddiqui, of Framingham Massachusetts pled guilty in Superior Court to numerous charges related to the production of false licenses, bribery, and identity theft. He was sentenced to two and a half years in the House of Correction, six months to serve, with the balance suspended for a probationary period of three years.

Details of the false license scam are outlined in the Middlesex District Attorney’s Press Release. The Metrowest Daily news also reported the indictments.

Anyone who attempts to obtain a false Massachusetts Driver’s License is likely to get caught. The Massachusetts State Police and Registry of Motor Vehicles use sophisticated facial recognition software and other means to detect identity fraud and false licenses. A conviction for a fraudulent license charge will result in an automatic license suspension. Also, providing false information to obtain a Massachusetts Driver’s License is also a crime that carries a mandatory and automatic license suspension upon conviction.

The Massachusetts State Police has a contingent of Troopers who work closely with the Registry’s Enforcement Services Unit to detect license fraud. These State Troopers have undergone specialized training to detect false licenses and identify theft through the use of technology such as facial recognition. They investigate and prosecute fraudulent license and registration cases referred to them by MassDOT and other agencies.

The suspect in these cases usually receives a Notice of Compromised ID from the RMV. This notice instructs the customer to provide documents to confirm his or her true identity and proof of lawful presence in the United States. After the customer supplies the documents, a hearing is scheduled with the Enforcement Services Unit. Legal representation is recommended.