DMV Clerk Charged In Inspection Sticker Thefts

ALBANY, NY (10/30/2008)(readMedia)-- A New York State Department of Motor Vehicles clerk was arrested on multiple charges Thursday for allegedly taking dozens of inspection stickers, one of which she taped onto her windshield, the state Inspector General's office announced.

Sandra Krause, 58, of Cohoes, was picked up at 7:45 a.m. at her Swan Street DMV office, where she also has parked illegally for the past year in a handicapped spot, using a fraudulent tag. New York State Police made the arrest in conjunction with DMV investigators and the Inspector General's office.

Police also arrested Krause's 23-year-old nephew, Joshua Krause, at his Cohoes home, for using a stolen inspection sticker given to him by his aunt. Joshua Krause told police his aunt offered to get him an inspection sticker "from where she worked" for the past two years, because the tailpipes on his customized Mitsubishi would not pass inspection.

"This employee abused her official position to put two uninspected vehicles on the road, while possibly placing other motorists at risk, and fraudulently securing handicapped parking for herself," Inspector General Joseph Fisch said. "While the vast majority of state employees respect the trust imposed upon them, those who do not will be dealt with appropriately."

Commissioner David J. Swarts of the state Department of Motor Vehicles said, "The conduct of our associates who commit alleged illegal acts is completely unacceptable and will be dealt with swiftly. The DMV ensures its employees are well aware of existing laws and regulations and those who disregard them violate the public trust, which we will not tolerate."

Sandra Krause is accused of taking more than 50 stickers, many of which were recovered. She was caught after a DMV employee noticed that her inspection sticker was taped, not glued, to her windshield. Krause was unsure where or when her car was last inspected legally. The investigation is continuing.

She is charged with criminal possession of a forged instrument and offering a false instrument for filing, both felonies, and criminal possession of stolen property and official misconduct, misdemeanors. Joshua Krause was charged with criminal possession of a forged instrument and offering a false instrument for filing, both felonies, and criminal possession of stolen property.

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