Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2002 | 9:27 a.m.
A former Department of Motor Vehicles and Public Safety employee has been indicted on charges that she took bribes in exchange for DMV documents that illegal immigrants then used to gain driver's licenses.
Dalva Flagg, 48, is charged with one count of conspiracy, one count of bribery, two counts of conspiracy to interfere with commerce by extortion and eight counts of unlawful use of Social Security numbers in connection with the alleged scheme that ran from February through May.
The indictment alleges that Flagg, who was arrested Dec. 5 by the FBI, met with co-conspirators at prearranged locations, including the parking lot at the Carey Avenue DMV office, to trade identification documents for between $1,000 and $1,200 each.
As many as five co-conspirators were also arrested, but their names have not been released as authorities work to determine how they will be prosecuted, FBI officials said.
The indictment also alleges that co-conspirators obtained the biographical information of the illegal immigrants, and provided that information to Flagg by telephone or fax, or in person.
The indictment alleges Flagg then delivered DMV paperwork bearing Social Security account numbers not assigned to the illegal immigrants and invalid driver's license numbers from other states. The paperwork was completed and signed by Flagg, and then used by the illegal immigrants to obtain Nevada identification cards, driver's licenses, vehicle registrations and learner's permits, according to the indictment.
At least 17 times Flagg provided an identification document for use by an illegal immigrant, the indictment alleges.
Investigations into fraudulent identification scams have become more of a priority since the Sept. 11 attacks, FBI spokesman Daron Borst said.
"Most of the cases we've encountered (in Las Vegas) have been undocumented aliens," Borst said. "There does not appear to be any connection to terrorism in this case."
Flagg's indictment was the result of a 10-month investigation by Metro Police, the FBI and other federal and local law enforcement agencies.
Flagg, who is being held at Las Vegas' Stewart Avenue and Mojave Road jail, could face up to five years in prison on the conspiracy and Social Security charges, up to 10 years on the bribery charge and up to 20 years on the commerce counts. She could also be fined up to $250,000 on each count if found guilty.
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