Deputies break up fake ID ring

Published 9:19 pm Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Decatur County Sheriff’s deputies broke up a suspected fake ID-making operation last Friday night.

Capt. Chip Nix of the Sheriff’s Office and other deputies executed a search warrant at 137 Melissa Drive, off Dothan Road near Bainbridge.

Inside the residence, which was occupied by several people, deputies discovered computers and other items used to make fraudulent identification documents.

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The fake documents included ID cards, proof permanent residency and Social Security cards, according to Capt. Nix. The home’s adult residents, who were living there with several children, were selling the fake documents to other people who needed to appear as if they were in the United States legally, Nix said.

The people charged with making the fake ID documents used a variety of technology, including computers, printers, image scanners, digital cameras and laminate paper stock.

“They were making pretty good replicas of the real thing,” Nix said.

Nix said the Sheriff’s Office is continuing to investigate the case, because investigators believe possible crimes of identity fraud and bank fraud may have been committed, as well.

In addition to seizing the items, deputies arrested and charged the following people with manufacturing fraudulent ID cards, a felony: Daniel Hernandez, 33; Gladis Hernandez, 27; Jose Antonio Hernandez, 20; Eric Ramirez-Ortiz, 32; and Solomon Segura-Martinez, 35.

All five resided at 137 Melissa Drive.