Maryland, My Maryland

 Former MVA employee pleads guilty after distributing 276 fraudulent driver's licenses

A former Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration employee pleaded guilty Friday to charges that stemmed from her distributing hundreds of fraudulent driver's licenses.

Marion Payne, 55, of Harwood, worked at the MVA's Largo branch when she and a co-conspirator distributed 276 fraudulent licenses between July 2015 and March 2016, according to her plea.

Prosecutors said people paid between $800 and $5,000 in cash for each fraudulently issued Maryland driver's license. Officials said people wanted the licenses because they were in the country illegally.

In exchange for the improperly issued driver's licenses, Payne was paid at least $25,000 in cash and gifts, prosecutors said.

Payne, 55, of Harwood, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to produce and transfer identification documents without lawful authority. Her sentencing is set for Aug. 3. She could face a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison for the conspiracy charge.

As part of her plea agreement, Payne will also be required to pay a money judgment of at least $25,000, which constitutes assets derived from or obtained by Payne as a result of the conspiracy, prosecutors said.

I hope she gets at least 5 out of the 15 years possible, but I don't have much hope in MD.