Former DMV worker indicted in bribe case

Wednesday, March 19, 2003 | 9:33 a.m.

A former Department of Motor Vehicles employee has been charged with more felonies in addition to taking bribes in exchange for DMV documents that illegal immigrants used to gain driver's licenses.

Dalva Flagg, 48, of Las Vegas, was charged Tuesday by federal authorities with avoiding IRS reporting requirements, conspiracy to commit money laundering, money laundering, engaging in monetary transactions in property from specified unlawful activity, fraud and related activity in connection with identification documents, wire fraud, making and subscribing false tax returns and forfeiture.

Co-defendant Ruy Silva, 41, of Las Vegas, has also been charged with structuring currency transactions to avoid IRS reporting requirements and money laundering.

Both Flagg and Silva are in custody.

The original 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.

The indictment also alleges that co-conspirators obtained the biographical information of the illegal immigrants and provided that information to Flagg.

The indictment alleges that 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 then used to obtain Nevada driver's licenses and other documents, the indictment said.

If convicted, the defendants could face up to 75 years in prison.