Department of Motor Vehicles

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, August 2, 2016

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

NEW YORK STATE DMV ANNOUNCES ARRESTS OF 95 INDIVIDUALS DURING THE LATEST ROUND OF UNDERAGE DRINKING SWEEPS
Dozens of Fake IDs Confiscated as DMV Teams Up with Local Law Enforcement During Shows at CMAC and Darien Lake

 Teen Arrested for Assault of DMV Investigator After Being Found with Fraudulent Document

The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) today announced 95 weekend arrests at two concerts during the latest round of “Operation Prevent” sweeps. Operation Prevent was initiated to deter underage drinking in local communities and keep New York’s roadways safe. On Thursday, July 28 and Friday, July 29, investigators from DMV’s Division of Field Investigation teamed up with local law enforcement agencies to conduct sweeps at the Luke Bryan concert at CMAC in Canandaigua and the G-Eazy concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center in Genesee County, where investigators made 95 arrests and confiscated dozens more fraudulent identity documents. One DMV investigator was assaulted while conducting an investigation into an underage subject at CMAC, resulting in an additional charge. Governor Cuomo announced in June that the state would continue its push to ensure that the public, and especially New York’s youth, remain safe and well-protected during the summer concert season.

“DMV’s Operation Prevent is designed to deter underage drinking. We are proud of the work our investigators do to keep New Yorkers safe and appreciate that their work is sometimes hazardous. Our investigators will not be deterred. They are dedicated to keeping New Yorkers safe despite the potential risks,” said Terri Egan, DMV Executive Deputy Commissioner. “We will continue Operation Prevent sweeps during the summer concert season, and throughout the year – at bars, convenience stores, and anywhere that young people might use a fake ID to obtain alcohol. Our message is simple: having a fake ID just is not worth it.”

Thursday, July 28: Luke Bryan concert, CMAC
DMV investigators conducted an Operation Prevent sweep along with the Ontario County Sheriff’s Department at the Luke Bryan concert at CMAC in Canandaigua. They arrested 29 people for attempting to use fraudulent identification to buy alcohol, including a Rochester teen who was charged with second-degree assault for striking a DMV investigator after it was discovered he tried to use a fraudulent Rhode Island driver license. Fraudulent licenses were recovered from Connecticut, Florida, Maryland, New Jersey, New York  (old style), Ohio, Pennsylvania, and South Carolina, while one person tried to use another person’s New York license, and another possessed someone else’s California license.

Friday, July 29: G-Eazy concert, Darien Lake
DMV investigators, in conjunction with the Genesee County Sheriff’s Department, conducted an Operation Prevent sweep at the G-Eazy concert at the Darien Lake Performing Arts Center, which resulted in 66 arrests. An additional 66 fraudulent documents were found to be abandoned in several areas at the venue, including licenses from Alaska, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maryland, New York (old style), Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and West Virginia. Follow-up investigations will be conducted on the found IDs and DMV anticipates additional subjects will be charged.

During an Operation Prevent sweep, state investigators work with a number of different entities to check identification documents. Patrons under the age of 21 found to be using fake IDs or false documents with the intent of purchasing alcohol can be arrested and have their license revoked for a minimum of 90 days or up to one year. 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.

Last year, Governor Cuomo announced a similar statewide crackdown, which took place at concert venues that included SPAC, Darien Lake Performing Arts Center, and CMAC in Canandaigua. This year, Operation Prevent has expanded to additional venues, including Nikon at Jones Beach Theater and the Lakeview Amphitheater.

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