New charges filed for Louisville notaries involved in fake temporary tag scheme

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The Louisville notaries arrested for selling fake temporary tags to an informant were arraigned Wednesday, and they now face new charges.

Joann Smith, 30, and DeAngelo Thomas, 33, are charged with several counts of stealing, copy or illegally requiring temporary tags.

"The charge itself is a Class D felony," Bancroft Police Chief David Mudd said, adding that each charge carries a maximum sentence of five years.

Bancroft police conducted a search warrant of Thomas' car Monday. Mudd said they found 73 new tags and a handgun.

Following the search warrant, Smith and Thomas were charged with criminal possession of a forged instrument.

According to Mudd, Thomas faces additional charges for having a gun in his possession, which violated an interpersonal order in relation to a nonrelated domestic dispute.

The two were originally arrested Saturday after selling 10 fake tags to an informant. Police said when Smith and Thomas were arrested that day, Thomas had 61 extra fake tags tucked away in a backpack he had with him.

On Sunday, Mudd said Flock cameras detected six cars in Louisville using the fake tags associated in this case. In just days, that number has increased to 13.

Mudd said the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is designing new temporary tags that will be harder to duplicate. Currently, real temporary tags show information for the dealership that provided the tag

Mudd saidKYTC will then later design temporary tags that show details about the people who receive the tag, similar to information that shows up for license plates.

People who purchase fake tags can also face criminal charges.

"They could get charged with the same offense that Mr. Thomas and Ms. Smith were," Mudd said.

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