Vol. 2, No. 16
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June 15, 2005
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CRIMINAL DEFENSE |
COPYWRITING
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Tip Leads Feds To Stolen DMV Equipment; Secret Service Says None Compromised
Feds Say Computers And License Blanks Just Too Hot. Investigation Continues
Search warrants had been issued, lie detector tests administered, and involved stakeouts, some lasting hours, helped put the heat on those that stole DMV computers with personal information on over 8,000 southern Nevadans, and thousands of blank driver licenses. DMV Director Ginnie Lewis had been put on the hot seat following the theft, even testifying before the Legislature.
"I'm elated that everything that was stolen was recovered," she said. "The theft was a hard lesson for us and we've done what we can to ensure something like that will never happen again."
It was on March 7 that a truck burst through a window wall at the DMV office on Donovan Way in North Las Vegas, and thieves stole unprotected computers and license blanks. The computers held enough information to create identity for anyone. The Secret Service became involved because of the potential for terrorist involvement.
Secret Service representative Paul Masto said no arrests have been made yet, but the investigation will continue. He said it was a tip that led police agencies to a rooftop in Las Vegas. Masto said it was the work of his office along with other agencies in southern Nevada that made the stolen equipment too hot to handle. "Our investigation," he said, "heated up the stolen goods until they were glowing red."
Although work is continuing on the computers that held information on 8,738 Nevadans, it is believed the thieves were not able to access any of the records. Regardless, DMV has issued new licenses and identification cards to those involved.
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