Kentucky driver's license fraud scheme targeted migrants: Ex-clerk
Share and Follow


() A former Kentucky driver’s licensing clerk says she was fired after reporting a scheme in which employees sold fraudulent driver’s licenses to immigrants for $200 each, according to a whistleblower lawsuit.

Melissa Moorman worked at Louisville’s Nia Center Licensing Branch through Quantum Solutions, a staffing contractor. She claims the illegal operation occurred four to five times daily for at least two years across multiple state branches.

“The employees were being paid under the table,” Moorman told WDRB News. “I immediately let my supervisor know.”

The scheme involved using fake documents, including Social Security cards and birth certificates, to issue licenses to immigrants illegally living in the U.S. who never took the required tests. 

Employees bypassed federal Homeland Security background checks by processing transactions under other workers’ computer logins.

In October 2024, Moorman and her supervisor wrote to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet reporting the fraud. Two workers she identified were fired in late 2024. After speaking with a detective in January 2025, Moorman was terminated the same day, WDRB reported.

Thousands of drivers have licenses revoked

The state has revoked nearly 2,000 driver’s licenses amid the fraud investigation. Gov. Andy Beshear confirmed Wednesday that 1,985 licenses were canceled after credential reviews revealed they were issued to migrants without proper documentation.

Kentucky law requires non-U.S. citizens to provide legal presence documentation and residency proof for standard licenses. The state verifies applicant status through federal systems.

Now, Kentucky lawmakers are calling for an investigation, affiliate WDKY reported.

Immigration attorney Adienne Trivedi told WDRB that vulnerable immigrants paid the fee to avoid deportation risks.

The Transportation Cabinet sent 1,546 letters warning license holders of “irregularities” and threatening criminal charges if licenses weren’t returned, WDRB reported.

The agency has withheld 2,300 records, citing ongoing investigations with the Kentucky State Police and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Beshear said he wasn’t “aware” of immigration connections to the fraud investigation when asked in April, despite Moorman’s October letter and repeated media inquiries.

Moorman seeks to regain her job through the lawsuit.

‘s Patrick Djordjevic contributed to this report.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
White friends bullied by surging mob who mistook them for ICE agents

Viral Incident: Innocent Friends Mistaken for ICE Agents Face Mob Fury

A group of men enjoying a meal at a deli in Minneapolis…
FILE - This Aug. 7, 2025, satellite image shows construction of large white tents for a new immigrant detention center at Fort Bliss, a U.S. Army base outside El Paso, Texas. (Planet Labs via AP, File)

Tragic Loss: ICE Reports Suicide of Detainee at Texas Detention Center

An immigrant from Nicaragua was discovered dead last week at a Texas…
Color and light flood the OMNIMAX theater screen before a viewing of the "Ohio: Wild at Heart" film that features the state

From Flames to Flourish: Ohio’s Astonishing Environmental Revival Captured by IMAX

When you hear the term IMAX, it often conjures images of captivating…
Maniac arrested after three tourists found shot dead near Disney World

Suspect Apprehended Following Tragic Shooting of Three Tourists Near Disney World

A gunman opened fire on three tourists in a neighborhood near Florida’s…
Bills fire Sean McDermott after 9 seasons of falling short of reaching Super Bowl, AP sources say

Buffalo Bills Part Ways with Sean McDermott After Nine Seasons Without a Super Bowl Appearance, Reports Suggest

ORCHARD PARK, New York — The Buffalo Bills have parted ways with…
Brooklyn Beckham faces backlash after eviscerating his family

Brooklyn Beckham Sparks Controversy: The Shocking Family Feud Unveiled

Brooklyn Beckham is facing significant criticism following a surprising public critique of…
Indiana wins 1st national title, beating Miami 27-21 in College Football Playoff final

Indiana Secures Historic Victory Over Miami in Thrilling College Football Playoff Finale

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — Fernando Mendoza powered his way into the end…
Chicago Cardinal Blase Cupich, other Catholic leaders issue rare moral warning as tensions rise over Greenland

Chicago Cardinal Blase Cupich and Fellow Catholic Leaders Issue Uncommon Moral Advisory Amid Escalating Greenland Tensions

CHICAGO (WLS) — As international tensions escalate, particularly concerning Greenland and other…