RMV Worker Charged In Illegal Immigrant License Scam

WATERTOWN (CBS) - A woman who works for the Registry of Motor Vehicles is in federal custody and faces a 27-count indictment in an alleged scheme involving using her position at the RMV to defraud illegal immigrants.

The District Attorney's office says Adriana Ferreira, 48, of Brighton was arrested in Watertown. She's accused of promising driver's licenses to illegal immigrants in exchange for a $2,000 fee.

WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Mark Katic reports

Officials say those illegal aliens never received the licenses Ferreira promised, and when some of them complained, she threatened to report them to immigration officials.

Ferreira also allegedly claimed to have contact with an immigration official who could delay an illegal alien's deportations for a fee. Investigators say Ferreira had no such contact.

Federal, state, and local authorities were all involved in the investigation, which began in March 2011.

Ferreira faces corruption, bribery and larceny charges in that 27-count indictment.

The exact charges include five counts of larceny by false pretenses, four counts of attempted larceny by false pretenses, 14 counts of bribery and corrupt bribery, and four counts of conspiracy to commit RMV fraud.

MassDOT said in a statement it is initiating disciplinary proceedings against Ferreira.

"The Registry of Motor Vehicles has zero tolerance for any behavior that compromises the integrity of our operations or intimidates our customers," Sara Lavoie, MassDOT Press Secretary said in the statement. "We work strongly and collaboratively with law enforcement. The RMV will continue to allow these agencies the access that they need to uncover and prosecute any illegal activity within our branches."

Ferreira has worked at the Registry of Motor Vehicles since August 29, 2010.