Summary

On December 17, 2015, Luc Desmangles was sentenced to 18 months incarceration in U.S. District Court, Brooklyn, NY, for his role in a widespread fraudulent CDL test-taking scheme in New York State. In October 2013, Desmangles and 10 others were charged with conspiracy to unlawfully produce identification documents in connection with the scheme. In July 2015, a Federal jury found Desmangles, and 4 other defendants, guilty of all charges following a three-day trial in Brooklyn. The remaining 6 defendants have all pleaded guilty.

The investigation revealed that fraudulent CDL test-taking activities occurred at five known New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) test centers in the New York City area. Undercover operations and surveillance, including the use of remote observation posts and pole-cameras, identified the defendants participating in the fraud scheme. Defendants included DMV security personnel, an external test-taker, facilitators, “runners,” and lookouts. Conspiring CDL applicants paid facilitators between $1,800-$2,500 in return for CDL exam answers and escort assistance through DMV processes. Fraud schemes included the use of pencils containing miniaturized encoded test answers, the use of a Bluetooth headset as a communication device to relay CDL test answers, and the use of an external test-taker positioned nearby to take the exams. Desmangles was identified as a runner. Five defendants await sentencing.

DOT-OIG is conducting this investigation with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security - Homeland Security Investigations, New York City Police Department, New York State Department of Motor Vehicles Investigations, New York State Attorney General’s Office, and the New York State Inspector General’s Office.