5 Charged in Kentucky Driver's License Fraud Scheme

Alleged scheme allowed ineligible applicants to skip lines and testing requirements

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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A federal grand jury has indicted several Louisville, Kentucky residents for their alleged involvement in illegally selling driver's licenses to immigrants. The scheme involved Kentucky Transportation Cabinet employees accepting bribes and kickbacks to issue licenses to legally present, non-U.S. citizens who had not demonstrated their qualifications to drive.

Why it matters

This case highlights concerns about fraud and corruption within state driver's licensing systems, which are critical for ensuring public safety on the roads. It also raises questions about the integrity of state-issued identification documents and the potential for them to be misused.

The details

According to the indictment, Melissa Moorman, a former clerk at the Louisville Nia Center Licensing Branch, alerted her supervisor and the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet in 2024 that several of her co-workers were involved in a fraudulent scheme. The employees were allegedly selling driver's licenses to illegal immigrants who could not otherwise legally obtain them, charging $200 per license and issuing them 4-5 times per day. Fraudulent documents like Social Security cards and birth certificates were used, and the scheme allegedly allowed applicants to skip Homeland Security background checks and driving tests.

  • In October 2024, Moorman reported the alleged fraud scheme to her supervisor and the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.
  • On February 4, 2026, a federal grand jury indicted several Louisville residents for their alleged involvement in the scheme.

The players

Melissa Moorman

A former clerk at the Louisville Nia Center Licensing Branch who reported the alleged fraud scheme to her supervisor and the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.

Donnita Wilson

One of the Louisville residents charged in the indictment, who previously worked at the Nia Center office.

Aariel Matthews

One of the Louisville residents charged in the indictment, who previously worked at the Nia Center office.

Lazaro Alejandro Castello Rojas

One of the Louisville residents charged in the indictment, who did not work at any licensing agency but is accused of recruiting and escorting non-citizens to driver's license appointments at the Nia Center.

Robert Danger Correa

One of the Louisville residents charged in the indictment, who did not work at any licensing agency but is accused of recruiting and escorting non-citizens to driver's license appointments at the Nia Center.

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What they’re saying

“As alleged in the indictment, this fraudulent scheme involved kickbacks and bribes leading to numerous legally present, non-US citizens obtaining unlawfully issued drivers licenses.”

— U.S. Attorney Kyle Bumgarner (theblaze.com)

“The employees were being paid under the table. I immediately let my supervisor know.”

— Melissa Moorman, Former clerk at Louisville's Nia Center Licensing Branch (WDRB)

What’s next

Federal prosecutors are continuing their investigation into the alleged fraud scheme, and more charges may be filed against additional individuals involved.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of robust oversight and accountability measures within state driver's licensing systems to prevent fraud and corruption. It also underscores the need for thorough vetting of applicants to ensure the integrity of state-issued identification documents and public safety on the roads.