06/23/2006

ARREST MADE IN CT DMV BRIBERY CASE

As part of a continuing investigation into an incident of bribery at the Wethersfield office of the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles, two DMV employees were arrested for their part in a bribery for information incident. This investigation was conducted by the State Police Motor Vehicle Fraud Task Force.

During the course of this investigation, State Police Detectives assigned to the Motor Vehicle Fraud Task Force learned that the accused(s) conspired to accept a bribe from a Robert Russo, d.o.b. 05/06/1963, of 6 Tara Lane, Commack, New York, in exchange for information regarding the ownership(s) of a certain type of vehicle in CT.  Mr. Russo was arrested on bribery charges on 05/01/2006 in regards to this incident.

Arrested on 06/22/2006:

                    Jason RODRIGUEZ,  age 36,   d.o.b. 04/01/1970

                    25 Barker Street, Hartford, CT

Charges: Conspiracy to Commit Bribe Receiving 53a-48/53a-148

              Computer Crime 5^th degree 53a-256

Court: G.A. 15 New Britain (if bond is not made, he will be presented on 06/23/2006)

Bond: $10,000

Arrested on 06/23/2006:

                     Omayra VARGAS, age 35, d.o.b. 10/12/1969

                      52 South Street, Hartford, CT

Charges: Bribe Receiving 53a-148

              Conspiracy to Commit Bribe Receiving 53a-48/53a-148

              Computer Crime 5^th degree 53a-256

Court: G.A. 15 New Britain  on 07/07/2006

Bond: $10,000 surety

                                                           ###END###