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Connecticut PostRacketeering charges for 2 ex-DMV
workers Wednesday, January 19, 2005 -
BRIDGEPORT
The state is preparing racketeering charges against two former state
Department of Motor Vehicle workers accused of selling hundreds of phony
driver's licenses and state IDs to illegal aliens.
Assistant State's Attorney John Malone confirmed Tuesday that warrants
are being sought to charge Venita Bines, 40, of Bridgeport, and Tracy
Stevenson-Lucas, 31, of Stratford, with violating the state Corrupt
Organizations Racketeering Act.
The two are already facing charges of forgery and bribery, but Malone
explained that the nature of the case appears to fit the anti-racketeering
statute. If convicted of the racketeering charge each could face 20 years
in prison.
He said Bines is believed to have sold 400 phony licenses and
identifications and Stevenson-Lucas 300.
He said Bines also sold the identities of at least two state residents
and those identities were used to run up credit card bills of the
residents.
Neither Stevenson-Lucas's lawyer, Richard Meehan Jr., nor Bines'
lawyer, John R. Gulash Jr., would comment on the possible new charges.
During a hearing Tuesday, Superior Court Judge Roland Fasano refused to
reduce the $300,000 bond on which Bines is being held.
Stevenson-Lucas is free after posting a real estate bond.
Both defendants are to return to court Feb. 9.
Daniel Tepfer, who covers state courts and law enforcement issues, can
be reached at 330-6308.
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