New York State DMV Announces 81 Arrests During ‘Operation Prevent’ Underage Drinking Sweeps

by Contributor | April 5, 2016 7:51 am

The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles on Monday (April 4) announced 81 weekend arrests during the latest round of “Operation Prevent” sweeps, which are designed to deter underage drinking in local communities and keep New York’s roadways safe.

From March 31 through April 2, investigators from DMV’s Division of Field Investigation teamed up with the State Liquor Authority and local law enforcement agencies to conduct sweeps in Cortland, Niagara Falls, Oswego, and Saratoga Springs, during which dozens of fake IDs were confiscated.

“Underage drinking is harmful to our youth and can lead to devastating consequences on our roadways,” said DMV Executive Deputy Commissioner Terri Egan. “As winter turns to spring and summer, our investigators will be out in force to prevent needless tragedies from happening and keep our youth out of harm’s way.”

Operation Prevent investigations are conducted year-round, not only at bars and drinking establishments, but also at concerts, events, or wherever underage patrons are likely to gather.

Oswego Operation Prevent Sweep

On April 1, DMV investigators, in cooperation with the Oswego Police Department, conducted Operation Prevent Sweeps in the city of Oswego at The Raven and Alley Cat.

Investigators arrested 23 individuals for attempting to use fraudulent driver licenses to purchase alcohol.

Ten counterfeit driver licenses were seized from Connecticut, six from Pennsylvania, and one each from New Jersey, South Carolina, Illinois, and Maryland.

Three people possessed the genuine licenses of others.

All individuals arrested during Operation Prevent are criminally charged with violations of section 509 of the NYS Vehicle and Traffic Law. They are also subject to administrative violations that can result in the revocation of their license privilege for a minimum of 90 days and up to one year.

“Keeping alcohol out of the hands of underage youth is a top priority for the New York State Liquor Authority,” said Vincent Bradley, chairman of the New York State Liquor Authority. “We will continue to work with the DMV and our partners in law enforcement across the state to ensure alcohol is purchased responsibly by adults only.”

Operation Prevent investigations are funded by the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee to deter underage drinking and keep New York’s roadways safe.

DMV also conducts operations at the request of bar owners, law enforcement, and the SLA in larger cities and college towns.

Source URL: https://oswegocountytoday.com/news/oswego/new-york-state-dmv-announces-81-arrests-during-operation-prevent-underage-drinking-sweeps/

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