ADOT detectives identify suspect in identity theft case, clear motorist’s good name

PHOENIX – Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) investigators recently helped identify a man suspected of identity theft and clear a motorist’s good name in the process.

In October, a victim contacted the ADOT Fraud Hotline to report an erroneous DUI on his record from September.

Detectives with ADOT’s Office of Inspector General began investigating and used an arrest photo and facial recognition technology to figure out what happened.

Investigators came to believe that a man named Orlando Garcia stole the victim’s identity and gave it to authorities when he was pulled over for DUI.

Identity theft suspect was wanted for other reasons, too

ADOT officials collaborated with the Phoenix Police Department on the case, leading to Garcia’s arrest on charges related to DUI and identity theft.

And it turned out that Garcia was also wanted on outstanding charges involving weapons, DUI, endangerment and drug offenses.

“This was an outstanding effort to not only address the complaint, but to also help get a dangerous individual off Arizona roadways,” Lt. Jason Henderson of ADOT’s Office of Inspector General said in a press release Tuesday. “We encourage anyone who suspects fraudulent activity against their driver license or ID card, vehicle registration or title to report it immediately.”

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