D.A.: DMV worker took cash for licenses

As an investigation continues, the 12 fraudulently approved commercial licenses have been revoked, the Orange County District Attorney’s Office said.

Published: Aug. 22, 2011 Updated: 7:23 a.m.
By VIK JOLLY / THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

SANTA ANA – A Fullerton DMV employee accused of issuing 12 commercial drivers licenses after falsifying computer records in exchange for money is expected to be arraigned Monday.

Michelle Carbajal, 37, of Fullerton, faces a possible 22 years in prison if convicted of 19 felony counts of altering public documents and 19 counts fraud, according to a news release.

The dozen fraudulently approved licenses have been revoked, said Susan Kang Schroeder, chief of staff for the Orange County District Attorney's Office.

Between June 10, 2009, and April 27, 2010, Carbajal accepted $23,000 from 12 people to alter their driver's license records showing they passed the written and driving tests to obtain a commercial license and issued them permits, prosecutors said.

None of the drivers passed any of the tests, some of which were safety-related, including proper use of specialized brakes, pulling double trailers, being able to drive semi-trucks and other commercial vehicles.

The drivers were referred to Carbajal through a third party or parties, who are still unidentified, and it remains unclear how the money was split between her and the other person or persons, the district attorney's release said.

"The drivers will not be prosecuted at this time because the information they provide will be vital to the prosecution of the defendant who was in the position of trust," Schroeder said.

The DMV began investigating after Carbajal's supervisor become suspicious of her conduct at work and turned over its findings to the district attorney.

Carbajal, who had worked at the Fullerton DMV for nine years, was arrested Friday at work.

The investigation is continuing and anyone with information about the identity or identities of other people involved is asked to leave a message on the district attorney's special investigations hotline at 714-347-8544.

Contact the writer: 714-834-3773 or vjolly@ocregister.com

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