Homeland security busts suspected ID fraud in Osceola Co.

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — Homeland security investigators arrested an employee at the Osceola County Tax Collector's office on Friday in connection with an identity fraud ring.

Walter Brown, 41, is accused of helping people with bogus documents obtain Florida driver's licenses.

Many of the fake documents appear to be from the U.S. Virgin Islands. Investigators said his customers would bypass ticket lines and go straight to him.

Investigators said he issued at least 200 fraudulent drivers licenses that made it onto the streets. Many of his customers are convicted felons.

The tax collector's office tipped off investigators about the alleged fraud. Investigators said they caught Brown on surveillance camera making the transactions.

Brown was released Friday afternoon on $10,000 bond.

His boss, Osceola County Tax Collector Patsy Heffner, fired him when he walked into work.

"There are absolutely no words to describe the disappointment," Heffner said.

Investigators said one convicted felon who was deported in 2009 came back to the U.S. and got two valid driver's licenses in two different names from Brown.

Investigators haven't said if they've managed to track down any of criminal customers, something that has residents concerned.

Channel 9's Jeff Deal caught up with the suspect and his mother after his arraignment Friday.

"They say you were helping people get fraudulent driver's licenses. What do you say about that?" asked Deal.

"No comment," Brown's mother said.

"Unfortunately, I can't talk," Brown said.

"No comment," Brown's mother repeated.

As part of his release, Brown must surrender his passport next week.

He is still allowed to work at his second job working security at House of Blues in downtown Disney.

WFTV