Three Arrested In Driver License Exam Cheating Scheme Following Joint Investigation

The Miami-Dade County Office of the Tax Collector, in collaboration with the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office (MDSO) and the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), announced the arrest of three individuals in connection with an alleged driver license examination cheating scheme.

On July 15, 2026, detectives with the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office Public Corruption Unit conducted an investigation into fraudulent activity outside the Miami-Dade County Tax Collector’s Midway Crossings Office. The investigation revealed an alleged scheme in which Karel Clavel-Beltran used strategically placed cameras and electronic earpieces to assist Miguel Nunez-Garcia and Alexis Fernandez while they were taking the computer-based Florida driver license knowledge examination. As a result of the investigation, all three individuals were arrested. Two are accused of cheating on the examination, while one is accused of facilitating the scheme.

“Obtaining a Florida driver license is a privilege, not a right,” said Miami-Dade County Tax Collector Dariel Fernandez. “When individuals attempt to cheat the testing process, they undermine the integrity of the system and put public safety at risk. Fraud has no place in our offices or around our facilities, and anyone who attempts to obtain a government-issued credential through deception should expect to be held accountable.”

The Miami-Dade County Office of the Tax Collector thanks the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office Public Corruption Unit for its professionalism and commitment throughout this investigation. The Office also extends its appreciation to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles for its continued support and collaboration with our office during this investigation and in our ongoing efforts to safeguard the integrity of Florida’s driver licensing system.

“This case demonstrates the importance of strong collaboration between law enforcement and government agencies,” Fernandez added. “Working together, we can identify fraud, protect the public trust, and ensure that only qualified individuals earn the privilege of driving on Florida’s roads.”

The Miami-Dade County Office of the Tax Collector maintains a zero-tolerance policy for fraud in any form. The Office will continue working closely with MDSO, FLHSMV, and other state and local agencies to detect, investigate, and prevent fraudulent activity within its service centers and surrounding areas.

Attempts to obtain a driver license through fraud, deception, or the use of unauthorized electronic devices will not be tolerated. Individuals who seek to circumvent the law may face criminal charges and other legal consequences.

Dariel Fernandez
Miami-Dade County Tax Collector