Department of Motor Vehicles

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, April 4, 2016    

Contact:
Joe Morrissey    [email protected] 
Casey McNulty  [email protected]

NEW YORK STATE DMV ANNOUNCES 81 ARRESTS DURING THE LATEST ROUND OF “OPERATION PREVENT” UNDERAGE DRINKING SWEEPS
Department of Motor Vehicles Investigators Team Up with State Liquor Authority and Local Law Enforcement to Conduct Sweeps in Cortland, Niagara Falls, Oswego, and Saratoga Springs

The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) today announced 81 weekend arrests during the latest round of “Operation Prevent” sweeps, which are designed to deter underage drinking in local communities and keep New York’s roadways safe. From Thursday, March 31 through Saturday, April 2, investigators from DMV’s Division of Field Investigation teamed up with the State Liquor Authority (SLA) and local law enforcement agencies to conduct sweeps in Cortland, Niagara Falls, Oswego, and Saratoga Springs, during which dozens of fake IDs were confiscated.

“Underage drinking is harmful to our youth and can lead to devastating consequences on our roadways,” said DMV Executive Deputy Commissioner Terri Egan.  “As winter turns to spring and summer, our investigators will be out in force to prevent needless tragedies from happening and keep our youth out of harm’s way.”

Operation Prevent investigations are conducted year-round, not only at bars and drinking establishments, but also at concerts, events, or wherever underage patrons are likely to gather.

Niagara Falls Operation Prevent Sweep

On March 31, DMV and SLA investigators, in cooperation with the Niagara Falls Police Department, conducted a sweep at Karma Lounge in Niagara Falls. An undercover SLA officer entered the establishment and observed sales to underage patrons, in addition to a number of patrons using fraudulent identification to buy alcohol. Investigators from all three agencies then entered and checked all patrons for identification, making 14 arrests for possession of fraudulent licenses. Of the confiscated licenses, three were from Pennsylvania and Connecticut, two were from Delaware and New Jersey, and one of each were from New York, Illinois, Maine, and Colorado.

Saratoga Springs Operation Prevent Sweep

On April 1, DMV investigators, in cooperation with SLA and the Saratoga Springs Police Department, arrested ten individuals attempting to use fraudulent driver licenses to purchase alcohol at Putnam Den, Tin and Lint Company, The Reserve, and Saratoga City Tavern. DMV investigators confiscated a number of counterfeit licenses, including four from Pennsylvania, two from Maryland, and one each from Delaware, New York (older style), and Rhode Island. Another arrest was made for possession of another’s driver license. In addition, four people were arrested: two for felony possession of a forged instrument and two for false impersonation, a misdemeanor.

Oswego Operation Prevent Sweep

On April 1, DMV investigators, in cooperation with the City of Oswego Police Department, conducted Operation Prevent Sweeps in the City of Oswego at The Raven and Alley Cat. Investigators arrested 23 individuals for attempting to use fraudulent driver licenses to purchase alcohol. Ten counterfeit driver licenses were seized from Connecticut, six from Pennsylvania, and one each from New Jersey, South Carolina, Illinois, and Maryland. Three people possessed the genuine licenses of others.

Cortland Operation Prevent Sweep

On April 2, DMV investigators, in cooperation with the City of Cortland Police Department, conducted Operation Prevent operations at the Red Jug Pub, Stone Lounge, Dark Horse Tavern, and Hairy Tony's Basement, all in Cortland. The details led to the arrests of 30 individuals and resulted in the confiscation of 30 false driver licenses. These included 12 from Connecticut, seven from Pennsylvania, six from New Jersey, two from New York, and one from Rhode Island. Two individuals possessed other people’s genuine licenses.

All individuals arrested during Operation Prevent are criminally charged with violations of section 509 of the NYS Vehicle and Traffic Law. They are also subject to administrative violations that can result in the revocation of their license privilege for a minimum of 90 days and up to one year. 

“Keeping alcohol out of the hands of underage youth is a top priority for the New York State Liquor Authority,” said Vincent Bradley, Chairman of the New York State Liquor Authority. “We will continue to work with the DMV and our partners in law enforcement across the state to ensure alcohol is purchased responsibly by adults only.”

Operation Prevent investigations are funded by the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC) to deter underage drinking and keep New York’s roadways safe. DMV also conducts operations at the request of bar owners, law enforcement, and the SLA in larger cities and college towns.

For more information on DMV, visit dmv.ny.gov.

###