Kentucky DMV Corruption Exposed: Five Indicted in Massive Illegal Driver’s License Scheme Targeting Immigrants

A shocking government corruption scandal has erupted in Kentucky, with five individuals—including three foreign nationals and two temporary DMV workers—indicted on federal charges for running an extensive pay-to-play operation. This scheme involved issuing fake Kentucky driver’s licenses to noncitizens, bypassing required tests and vetting procedures. The operation, which allegedly ran from November 2023 through October 2024, primarily targeted immigrants, many of whom had limited English proficiency.

According to the federal indictment unsealed in February 2026, the scam took place at the NIA Center driver’s licensing office in Louisville. Recruiters Raul Tellez-Ojeda, Lazaro Alejandro-Castello Rojas, and Robert Danger-Corea promised expedited driver’s licenses to immigrant applicants for fees ranging from $200 to $1,500. They guided the applicants through the process and funneled them to corrupt insiders within the DMV.

Temp workers Donnita Wilson and Aariel Matthews are accused of manipulating the DMV’s system by altering records to generate “duplicate” licenses, even though no legitimate original licenses were issued. Bribes and kickbacks ensured that the “preferred customers” received their fraudulent licenses quickly.

The charges faced by the defendants include mail fraud, unlawful production of identification documents, honest services fraud, and money laundering conspiracy. A conviction on any of these counts could result in up to 20 years in prison.

The scale of the fraud is deeply troubling, as it undermines road safety, national security, and public trust. Last year, nearly 2,000 fraudulent licenses were revoked after whistleblowers exposed the scheme. Though officials have promised to “enhance protections,” the scandal reveals the extent of corruption in the DMV system and raises serious questions about the oversight of such critical public services.

As the case continues, many are calling for swift justice and tougher accountability measures to prevent future corruption. Public office should never be for sale, and the message is clear: It’s time to lock up the perpetrators and restore trust in the system.