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Fake ID ring broken by authorities
Jan 13, 2006, 08:55 AM EST Fake IDs lead to arrests


$150: That's how much Russellville police say it costs to buy a fake identification card, until now.

A man and woman were arrested Wednesday and charged with forgery and possession of a forgery device.

"We did an undercover operation and during that time we actually purchased some ID's and at that time, we called in the federal authorities," says Russellville Police Chief Chris Hargett.

The chief said that the investigation began in October and centered around the Town and Country Mobile Home Park on Highway 24.

When police eventually searched the manufactured home, they say they found evidence that David Blanco and Maria Tabia were manufacturing a variety of cards that were eventually sold to and used by immigrants in the Franklin County area.

"But the other problem is that we don't know who else has bought these and if they were shipped out and orders were taken," says Hargett.

According to Hargett, social security cards, drivers licenses and work visas were made using special computer software and a high magnification camera lens.

Bonds for Blanco and Tabia have been set at $100,000 each.