Fake Id's

A rather shocked 19-year-old USU coed got a reality check when one of Logan City’s Police Officers began reading her rights to her on the door step of her own home. He firmly informed the female that the Police had evidence she used fake identification to purchase alcohol in Logan and were aware she was a minor. The female student nervously admitted to having the fake ID and turned it over to the officer immediately. Because of her compliance and cooperation, she was lucky the officer did not arrest her.

Possessing fake identification is a Third Degree Felony which can carry stiff penalties. This particular USU student was more than fortunate that she was not arrested. Possession of fake identification in Utah is considered a Third Degree Felony under the Forgery Statute.

Sergeant Parslow, of the Logan City Police Department said it is policy to make an arrest if there is evidence that one is in possession of fake identification, “We don’t usually let them off.” When asked why our USU student was not arrested for purchasing alcohol with a fake ID, Parslow replied, with measurable discontent, “That police officer must have been having a good day, or did not want the trouble of making the arrest.”

It is fairly common for college students to get fake ID’s. They borrow them from relatives, roommates, or pay hundreds of dollars to obtain them. Student Katie Harris said she uses her sister’s driver’s license to go clubbing and bar hopping in Salt Lake. “I have not had a problem using my sister’s ID because we look very similar” said Harris.

Most minors using fake ID’s do not realize the severity of the crime they are committing. Also, those who loan or provide a minor with false forms of identification are breaking the law as well. According to Sergeant Parslow, people using fake identification can be charged with forgery, unlawful false information, criminal trespassing, and even a minor in possession of alcohol if they are caught trying to get into a bar or club. Those providing the fake ID can also be charged with a class B misdemeanor.

Many bars and clubs are working hard to crack down on minors entering their establishments. The White Owl in Logan was shut down for 12 days when a sting operation caught the bar selling alcohol to a minor. They were also cited for allowing a minor on the premises, according to reports filled by the Logan City Police Department. Owner of the White Owl, John Calderwood, has since made it policy to call the police and sue any minor trying to get in with a fake ID. Calderwood is tired of minors trying to enter his bar and has decided it’s time to “declare war” on them.

Businesses which supply alcohol have come up with additional strategies for cracking down on minors. Those strategies include identification scanners and training security personnel to recognize fake ID’s. Even with these strategies in place, minors still slip through the cracks. It is common knowledge that a minor who bribes a bouncer with money, knows the owner’s of a bar/club, or is a very attractive young lady can gain easy admittance.

College student Ally Bowls, a minor, said she tried using an “expired” fake ID to get into Club Lumpy’s. The bouncer recognized the expiration date and said, “I don’t know about this.” In response, Ally pulled out a twenty-dollar-bill, stuck out her “girls,” and the bouncer grinned and granted her admittance.