News Release
U.S. Department of Justice
United States Attorney
District of Rhode Island
May 19, 2008
Former RI DMV employee charged with identity theft and producing fraudulent drivers’ licenses
A federal grand jury has charged Dolores Rodriguez LaFlamme, a former employee of the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles, with producing fraudulent drivers’ licenses that were sold to individuals ineligible to legally obtain them.
United States Attorney Robert Clark Corrente and Colonel Brendan P. Doherty, Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police, jointly announced a twelve-count indictment, which the grand jury returned on May 14 in U.S. District Court, Providence. The indictment charges LaFlamme with conspiracy, fraudulently producing drivers’ licenses, and identity theft.
According to the indictment, other participants in the conspiracy met with prospective license applicants, who paid them between $700 and $2,500 for Rhode Island drivers’ licenses. According to the indictment, LaFlamme was in turn paid, and then she and another unindicted coconspirator produced the fraudulent licenses.
The indictment charges one count of conspiracy, six counts of fraudulently producing identification documents affecting interstate commerce, and five counts of fraudulently using another person’s identity. An indictment is merely an allegation and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Upon conviction, the maximum penalties for the offenses charged are: conspiracy and fraudulently producing identity documents – 15 year imprisonment and a $250,000 fine; and fraudulent use of identity – two years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.
LaFlamme, 40, pleaded not guilty to the charges on May 15 before Magistrate Judge David L. Martin, who ordered her detained
The Rhode Island State Police and Immigration and Customs Enforcement investigated the case, with assistance from the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sandra R. Beckner is prosecuting the case.