Three men have been arrested in connection with a scheme to use cameras and earpieces to cheat on the Florida driver’s license exam in Miami-Dade, authorities said.
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The investigation centered on the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles testing location at Midway Crossings on West Flagler Street, Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office officials said Thursday.
According to the sheriff’s office, the suspects worked to mislead examiners to unlawfully obtain driver’s licenses.
One suspect, 46-year-old Karel Clavel-Beltran, is accused of strategically placing cameras and earpieces to help two other suspects – 47-year-old Miguel Nunez-Garcia and 63-year-old Alexis Fernandez – cheat on the computer-based exam, authorities said.
According to arrests reports, the suspects used a polo shirt that was equipped with a button camera and earpiece, but Fernandez later told investigators he wasn’t able to hear Clavel-Beltran and failed the exam.
The earpiece later had to be removed by fire rescue after it became stuck in his ear, authorities said.
Investigators said they became suspicious when they talked to the test takers and they didn’t speak English, despite a new law in Florida which says drivers license exams are in only the English language.
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Clavel-Beltran told investigators he received clients through word of mouth and assisted them in exchange for $300 to $400, the reports said.
“Additionally, the defendant advised that he purchased all recording equipment and strategically equipped the clothing so that it could defeat any examiner from detecting the fraudulent use,” the reports said.
Clavel-Beltran was arrested on charges including organized scheme to defraud, cheating, unlawful use of a communications device, and giving a false name.
Nunez-Garcia and Fernandez face charges of cheating and unlawful use of a communications device.
“Obtaining a driver license is a privilege that comes with the responsibility of safely operating a vehicle on our roadways. When someone attempts to cheat the testing process, they undermine the integrity of the system and put the safety of our community at risk,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement. “MDSO remains committed to protecting the integrity of the licensing process and ensuring that only qualified drivers earn the privilege to get behind the wheel. Attempts to obtain a driver license through fraud or deception will not be tolerated, and those who try to circumvent the law will be investigated and held accountable.”
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