Louisiana OMV Employee Accused of Issuing CDLs Without Testing

Louisiana – According to the Louisiana State Police, Troopers from the LSP Insurance Fraud and Auto Theft Unit arrested a Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles employee for Malfeasance in Office and other charges related to the fraudulent issuance of Commercial Drivers Licenses and Commercial Learners Permits.

Troopers arrested 28-year-old Reggie James, Jr. of Baton Rouge on Wednesday, May 11, 2022, for one count of Public Bribery, six counts of Injuring Public Records, and one count of Malfeasance in Office. During an internal audit conducted by the Office of Motor Vehicles, it was discovered that James issued six Commercial Learners Permits / Commercial Drivers Licenses to individuals who had not taken or passed the related tests between the months of February 2022 and March 2022. James was placed on administrative leave immediately, and the investigation was turned over to Louisiana State Police.

Troopers discovered that James accepted $1,300 in cash on at least one occasion in exchange for issuing a Commercial Driver’s License to a customer who had not passed the required tests. Troopers also confirmed that James issued Commercial Learners Permits / Commercial Drivers Licenses to customers who had not passed or taken any tests. James was arrested and taken to the East Baton Rouge Parish Jail.

An arrest is an indication that probable cause exists to believe the subject was involved in the offense alleged. A person is innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.