The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) has released the timeline of events surrounding one of its employees issuing 20 fraudent commercial driver licenses to drivers who appeared to be Turkish, Arabic, or Pakistani. Of the 20, 18 had been issued hazardous materials endorsements, according to PennDOT information.
Federal investigators charged the 20 people for illegally obtaining Pennsylvania commercial driver licenses in Pittsburgh, according to PennDOT information.
According to current news reports, the FBI has said the men obtaining the licenses have not been linked to the New York and Washington attacks.
The timeline is as follows:
February 22, 2000, PennDOT receives information from the Department of Motor Vehicles in Washington state that two drivers with suspicious licenses were attempting to transfer their commercial licenses from Pennsylvania to Washington.
Feb. 22, 2000 through March 2, 2000, PennDOT's subsequent investigation finds one of its employees had fraudulently issued the licenses. During the course of the investigation, PennDOT finds the same employee fraudulently issued an additional 18 commercial licenses to other customers.
March 3, 2000: The licenses of the two drivers in Washington state are revoked. The PennDOT employee who issued the commercial licenses was suspended.
March 8, 2000: PennDOT asks its Office of Chief Counsel to investigate the matter.
March 28, 2000: PennDOT Office of Chief Counsel refers the matter to the Office of General Counsel for review and consideration. On the same day, and as required by law, the Office of General Counsel asks the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office to conduct a formal investigation.
April 12, 2000: PennDOT cancels the other 18 commercial licenses issued.
April 12, 2000: The Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office informs PennDOT an investigation will be conducted.
April 13, 2000: PennDOT terminates employment of the worker who issued the counterfeit licenses.
Sept. 21, 2001: In the wake of the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, PennDOT notified the FBI of the events of the previous year.