City Teen Arrested For Making Fake IDs

Westchester County Police have announced their arrest of a White Plains teen for making and selling fake IDs to underage college kids.

Daniel Capossela, 19, of Quincy Lane, was arrested on Jan. 18 on three felony charges of forgery in the second degree; criminal possession of a forged instrument in the second degree; and criminal possession of forgery devices. According to a news release, county police didn’t publicize the arrest to protect the ongoing investigation. Additional felony charges in this case are anticipated, according to the release.

“The production of false official documents including driver’s licenses is of special concerns to law enforcement in a post 0/11 world, “ said Westchester County Public Safety Commissioner George Longworth, in the release. “We believe at this time that these licenses were only sold to persons under age 21 who wanted them to purchase alcohol however, we are working with local and federal authorities to ensure there are no ties to terrorism.”

Police began investigating Capossela in November after learning of fake Maryland and Virginia driver’s licenses were sold in Westchester. Caposella was discovered after an undercover investigation where officers purchased several of the fake IDs.  Police said they seized computers, sophisticated printing devices and blank ID cards.

The county’s forensic investigators determined that 60 fake IDs were made, and discovered the names used of the IDs.

About 20 of the licenses were sold to students at Quinnipiac University in Hamden, Conn.  Police said they recovered most of the IDs at Quinnipiac.

“We will be visiting some other campuses and residences in the region, including in Westchester, in an attempt to recover all the fraudulent licenses produced,” said Longworth. “A person in possession of one of these fraudulent licenses could be charged with Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument. Now is the time to turn these licenses in without fear of arrest. Our goal right now is to take these licenses out of circulation.”

If you are in possession of one of the fake IDs you can return them to the county police to avoid criminal charges at 1 Saw Mill River Parkway, Hawthorne NY 10532.