A 2019 identity theft case investigated by the Arizona Department of Transportation’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) has led to the arrest of a Phoenix man accused of using his brother’s personal information to get a driver license.
Authorities say Raymond Hernandez was taken into custody in July during a routine traffic stop after officers discovered multiple outstanding warrants tied to an ADOT fraud case.
The investigation began in 2019, when ADOT flagged suspicious records in its motor vehicle database. Detectives compared photos on a suspended license and a replacement license issued under Hernandez’s brother’s name and determined both images showed Hernandez. Investigators later confirmed with the victim that his Social Security number and birth certificate had been used without permission.
At the time, Hernandez also faced three misdemeanor warrants and was driving on a suspended Arizona license. Criminal charges were filed for identity theft and forgery, but Hernandez failed to appear in court, leading to a felony warrant out of Maricopa County Superior Court.
During the July 17 traffic stop, Phoenix police verified the warrants with ADOT investigators and arrested Hernandez. In addition to the previous charges, he now faces allegations of computer tampering.
“ADOT is very pleased to have a successful outcome to this investigation,” said Lt. Jason Henderson of the OIG. He encouraged anyone who suspects fraud involving driver licenses, IDs, or vehicle records to report it through the department’s 24-hour Fraud Hotline.
ADOT’s OIG investigates a wide range of fraud cases tied to vehicle dealerships, odometers, titles, VIN inspections, and driver credentials, often in partnership with state, local, and federal law enforcement.
