10/16/2008                 

                     STATE POLICE MAKE ARREST IN DMV

                        BRIBERY FORGERY INVESITGATION

A joint investigation conducted by the Connecticut State Police and Department of Motor Vehicle Compliance Review Unit resulted in three arrests being made today. Approximately five weeks ago information was developed by State Police and DMV Inspectors that a DMV Agent was accepting bribes, forging DMV License Applications, and falsifying testing records.  A criminal investigation was initiated by State Police, and focused on the Norwalk DMV Office.

Detectives determined that the accused DMV Agent was working with two outside people who would arrange to have subjects come to the accused at the Norwalk DMV Office to obtain Drivers Licenses without going through the testing procedures.  

The investigation revealed that the outsiders were paid cash by the subjects seeking a license and the subjects were then directed to the accused at the Norwalk DMV where the testing procedure was circumvented. The State Police investigators located and interviewed subjects who had fraudulently obtained licenses from the accused. The investigation is continuing to determine if other licenses were fraudulently issued or improperly upgraded without the proper testing process.

As a result of evidence gathered and facts determined in this case,  State Police Detectives submitted three arrest warrant applications to Superior Court for the arrest of the three accused in this case. 

Today 10/16/08 the accused Agent JUAN CASIANO was taken into custody today by State Police Detectives at the DMV Office in Norwalk. The accused was transported to State Police Troop “G” in Bridgeport where he was processed and held on bond to appear in Superior court

Two other accused were also taken into custody without incident as a result of this investigation. They were also transported to Troop-G Bridgeport where they were processed and held on bond.

ARRESTED: Juan CASIANO  (DOB: 07/24/1967) AGE: 41

                        30 Nelson Terrace, Bridgeport, CT.

CHARGES:  C.O.R.A.  (Corrupt Organizations and Racketeering Activity)       

                       Forgery 2^nd degree (3 Counts)

                       Conspiracy to Commit Forgery 2^nd degree (3 Counts)

                       Conspiracy to Commit Bribe Receiving (3 Counts)

BOND: $150,000                    COURT: GA# 20 Norwalk on 10/17/2008

ARRESTED: Jose A. COLON  (DOB: 07/18/1966) AGE: 42

                       437 Park Street, Bridgeport, CT.                 

CHARGES:  C.O.R.A.  (Corrupt Organizations and Racketeering Activity)       

                       Forgery 2^nd degree (3 Counts)

                       Conspiracy to Commit Forgery 2^nd degree (3 Counts)

                       Conspiracy to Commit Bribery (3 Counts)

BOND: $100,000                    COURT: GA# 20 Norwalk on 10/17/2008

ARRESTED: Wanda ORTIZ   (DOB: 05/20/1978) AGE: 40

                        437 Park Street, Bridgeport, CT.                 

CHARGES:  Conspiracy to Commit Forgery 2^nd degree (1 Count)

                       Conspiracy to Commit Bribery (1 Count)

BOND: $25,000          COURT: GA# 20 Norwalk on 10/17/2008

Public Safety Commissioner John A Danaher III said “These Arrests are part of a continuing State Police and Dept of Motor Vehicle investigation of the Offices of the DMV. This investigation is dedicated to ensuring that this type of activity is rooted out and no longer exists.”

“I am angry that a DMV employee has violated the public trust. We will not tolerate illegal conduct by any of our employees. This arrest is part of the continuing effort to ensure integrity in DMV's licensing processes," said Commissioner Robert M. Ward.

The investigations are continuing and additional arrests are anticipated.

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LT. J. Paul Vance