Police Discover Over 75 Driver’s Licenses at Former Georgia DDS Employee’s Home

Esteban Olivas, a 25 year old man and former DDS employee from Gainesville, was arrested after being accused of child molestation and enticing a child for indecent purposes in Georgia.

He was also accused of trafficking a person under the age of 18 and aggravated child molestation in Georgia. These are some serious charges - however, it doesn't stop there. According to reports, when police arrested Olivas at his residence, they had a search warrant. The search of his home led to the discovery of 76 driver's licenses, which in turn left to 76 separate counts of identification theft and fraud.

As of right now, Olivas is being held in the Hall County Jail without bond, and the investigation into his numerous cases is still ongoing. As a Georgia Criminal Defense Lawyer, I will outline the offense of identity fraud in today's post.

Identity Fraud in Georgia

Georgia Law defines identity fraud in Georgia by outlining the various ways that an individual can commit the offense. The statute is O.C.G.A. §16-9-121 and states the a person commits identity fraud when he or she both willfully and fraudulently:

• Without authorization or consent, uses or possesses with intent to fraudulently use identifying information concerning a person.
• Uses identifying information of an individual under 18 years old over whom he or she exercises custodial authority.
• Uses or possess with intent to fraudulently use identifying information concerning a deceased individual.
• Creates, uses, or possess with intent to fraudulently use any counterfeit or fictitious information concerning a fictitious person with intent to use such counterfeit or fictitious identification information for the purpose of committing or facilitating the commission of a crime or fraud on another person.
• Without authorization or consent, creates, uses, or possesses with intent to fraudulently use any counterfeit or fictitious identifying information concerning a real person with intent to use such counterfeit or fictitious information for the purpose of committing or facilitating the commission of a crime or fraud on another person.
• Accepts identifying information, which they know to be fraudulent, stolen, counterfeit, or fictitious for the purpose of identification.

Identity fraud is classified as a felony offense in Georgia. This means that if convicted of identity fraud, the penalty can include up to ten years in prison and a fine up to $100,000.

The penalties for subsequent convictions of identity fraud increase with each conviction.

Practice Note

Whenever I focus on a felony offense, I bring up the repercussions involved with felony penalties in Georgia. A felony conviction can prohibit an individual from gaining employment, receiving credit, voting, owning a firearm, obtaining housing, and much more.

However - there are situations in which an individual is improperly accused and arrested. This is where we come in. There are Georgia Criminal Defenses that can benefit your case. If you or a loved one has been arrested, contact a Georgia Criminal Defense Attorney today.