Nashville, Tennessee --- Department of Safety officials are commending driver license examiners for reporting suspicions that led to the Operation Crooked Highway investigation. Interim Safety Commissioner Gerald Nicely said, "Employees first became suspicious of applicants from Winchester Driving School in 2004, and alerted supervisors. Their instincts led to the investigation that resulted in this week's arrests."

The Department of Safety was working to suspend Winchester Driving School from the Cooperative Driver Training Program in 2004, but halted the effort because authorities wanted to expand the probe. The Tennessee Highway Patrol's Criminal Investigation Division (CID) partnered with the Joint Terrorism Task Force, which also includes the IRS Criminal Investigation Division, Immigration Customs Enforcement and the FBI.

Investigators decided to pursue federal charges in this case because the penalties are stronger. The probe expanded to include many DL stations, but investigators discovered that the criminal activity was extremely limited. It was found at only two stations ( Murfreesboro and Gallatin ), and involved only one state employee and two former temporary employees.

"This is an example of how joint law enforcement operations should work," Nicely said. "This investigation was thorough, and every agency did its part. I am particularly proud of our CID investigators, who brought this case to the attention of federal officials."

The Cooperative Driver Training Program (CDTP) was created by legislative act in 1993 as an effort to reduce crowding at driver license stations. There are 42 programs across the state. Seventy-five percent are run by local school systems.

The Tennessee Department of Safety's mission is (www.tn.gov/safety) to ensure the safety and general welfare of the public. The department encompasses the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Office of Homeland Security and Driver License Services. General areas of responsibility include law enforcement, safety education, motorist services and terrorism prevention.