ARCHIVE

DOVER CHARGES LIMO OPERATORS

DOVER CHARGES LIMO OPERATORS Daily Record * March 31, 2009

DOVER, NJ -- Three limousine operators have been charged with not conducting proper criminal background checks on their drivers, police said.

The charges stem from a two-week investigation that included surveillance and was part of the Dover Police Department's ongoing initiative to combat illegal transportation.

Eagle Taxi and Limousine of Rockaway Township was issued several violations, including failing to ensure a driver has had a criminal background check administered by the Motor Vehicle Commission, said police Capt. Peter Ugalde.

Eagle had one driver who was a convicted felon and is therefore prohibited by state law from operating a limousine, Ugalde said.

Rodrigo Valdivia, manager of Eagle, said his company requires all drivers take drug tests and have background checks. The drivers also are supposed to keep the supporting documents on them but several had forgotten the paperwork on the day they were stopped by police, he said.

The driver who had a previous criminal conviction had gone through a background check but his conviction was 20 years ago, and it was the company's understanding that the charge was expunged from his record after 10 years. "For now, he is not driving," Valdivia said. "We are trying to straighten this out."

Also ticketed for failing to have drivers undergo criminal background checks were Axel's Express Limousine and Taxi and Azua Taxi and Limousine, Ugalde said. Both companies were cited for the drivers not having undergone drug testing, which is a requirement under New Jersey law.

A man answering the phone at Axel said only the manager could talk about the charges but he could not be reached. A man answering the phone at Azua said he was unaware of the charges.

All of the motor vehicle citations issued surround the safety of the for-hire operations taking place within Dover. The town police department has been conducting an on-going investigation into these operations and will continue to do so, Ugalde said.

BACK