New Orleans Man Arrested for Producing Fraudulent Driving School Certificates

Published: 09-23-2021 | Category: Troop B

Jefferson Parish – In March of 2021, Louisiana State Police Detectives began investigating fraudulent driving school certificates that were being submitted to the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles. The fraudulent certificates were being used to fulfill the requirements needed to obtain a driver’s license. Detectives learned that the certificates were being issued from driving schools in the New Orleans Metro Area. During an investigation, Detectives were able to determine that 56-year-old Prentiss Martin of New Orleans operated a business named “Professional Legal Services” out of an office in Gretna. Detectives executed a search warrant at the office location and obtained various items consistent with manufacturing fraudulent documents. Given the findings, Detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Martin charging him with Forgery (211 felony counts). This afternoon, Martin was arrested and booked into the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center for the active warrant.

Citizens applying for a driver’s license are required to successfully complete a driver education course. These courses are offered by driving schools licensed by the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles. A list of driving schools licensed by the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles can be located at expresslane.org.

To report fraudulent activity with regard to driver education, citizens are encouraged to contact the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicle Training and Certification Unit at 225-925-1795.

Contact Information:
TFC Kate Stegall
Louisiana State Police – Troop B
Public Affairs Section
Office: (504) 471-2780
[email protected]