The Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the Georgia Department of Transportation today arrested multiple defendants that included a Georgia DOT employee charged with identity theft and other fraudulent activities.  The arrest of Dnez Bracy came after an extensive investigation by the Georgia DOT and the GBI. 

“In early January, the Georgia DOT contacted the GBI for assistance, after a credit card company contacted us regarding an excessive number of fraudulent charges that were reported on credit cards used to purchase oversized and overweight permits from the Georgia DOT,” said Georgia DOT Commissioner Gena Abraham.   

In April 2007, Bracy was hired as a Clerk in the Permits office. Her responsibilities were to issue oversized and overweight permits and receive payments for such permits. 

The investigation indicated that the theft ring operated over at least a 12-month period where several identities were stolen and those identities used to open on-line bank accounts and merchant accounts.  As a result, Georgia DOT is encouraging anyone who has purchased an oversized permit from the Department since April 2007 to double check their credit card statements for any fraudulent activity, and then to report any unusual activity to their credit card companies.

“I have made a commitment to the citizens of Georgia that business at GDOT will be conducted ethically, with transparency, and accountability." Abraham said.  “And as a result, I will not condone behavior that is in violation of our policies or state and federal laws.  Any employee found breaking the law is subject to dismissal and prosecution.”

The Georgia DOT Permits office processes approximately 180,000 permits annually with approximately $49,000 charged to credit cards. The investigation found that credit cards were compromised as early as July 2007; identified approximately 55 victims and established approximately $20,000 stolen from victims of this credit card fraud.  The GBI investigation further uncovered approximately $200,000 in fraudulent charges associated with a larger identity theft group. 

“Identity theft is a serious crime that harms thousands of Georgia citizens each year. We are very pleased with the proactive measures that Georgia DOT took in getting us involved in investigating this case,” said GBI Director Vernon Keenan.  “The impact of identity theft can be devastating with victims suffering financial loss, having their credit and personal reputations ruined, and even being arrested for crimes they did not commit.”

The Georgia Department of Transportation is committed to providing a safe, seamless and sustainable transportation system that supports Georgia’s economy and is sensitive to both its citizens and its environment.  For general information on the Georgia DOT, please visit our website (www.dot.ga.gov).