A Houston woman who works for the Texas Department of Public Safety used her ready access to state driver’s licenses for cash, authorities said.
Gracie Gutierrez, 27, remained in custody after she was charged on Tuesday with bribery.
Gutierrez is accused of accepting bribes to issue driver’s licenses to people who are undocumented and have not taken the written or driving exam, said Donna Hawkins with the Harris County District Attorney’s office.
Also charged with bribery is Saul Ramirez, 20. Officials said he does not work for DPS.
Ramirez was arrested while trying to sell a Texas driver’s license to an undercover police officer, Hawkins said. Investigators determined Ramirez was working with Gutierrez, Hawkins said.
Texas DPS spokeswoman Tela Mange said she was unable to provide detailed information about the ongoing investigation. Mange said Gutierrez worked as an administrative clerk, but which office or how long she has been with the department was unknown.
Mange has heard of other cases where DPS clerks are offered cash if they will provide a driver’s license to someone who wasn’t eligible.
“We expect our employees to resist those attempts and report those to their supervisors or investigators,” Mange said.
Gutierrez and Ramirez have been charged with bribery with bail set at $50,000 for her and $35,000 for him. If convicted, they face from two to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000, officials said.
According to Harris County records, Gutierrez and Ramirez have not yet obtained legal counsel. They are expected to be in court early Thursday for their initial hearing.
Via: Chron.com
