Merrick B. Garland, Attorney General | https://www.justice.gov/
Merrick B. Garland, Attorney General | https://www.justice.gov/
James Watt, a 26-year-old resident of Indianapolis, has been sentenced to three years of probation following his guilty plea for unlawful production of documents and money laundering. This sentence comes after an extensive investigation into Watt's involvement in manufacturing and distributing fake driver's licenses.
Court documents reveal that between March 13, 2019, and February 16, 2023, Watt worked for a public website offering fake driver’s licenses primarily purchased using Bitcoin. The site promoted itself as “Your #1 Trusted Source for Fake IDs.” Over four years, Watt produced more than 30,000 fraudulent identifications. Customers provided photos and addresses for delivery, and Watt dispatched the IDs via U.S. Postal Service boxes around Indianapolis at night to evade detection.
Watt received over 14 Bitcoin as payment for his activities, which amounted to more than $1.3 million by January 2025 standards. While many buyers were underage college students seeking false identification to bypass age restrictions, others were adults who likely intended to use the IDs for various purposes requiring official identification.
“Watt nearly became a millionaire simply through the manufacturing and mailing of thousands of fake IDs, essentially running a one-man BMV,” stated John E. Childress, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. Childress acknowledged the role of investigative agencies in bringing this case to conclusion: “I commend the IRS-CI and USPIS for their thorough investigative work leading to today’s outcome.”
Acting Inspector in Charge Felicia George praised her team’s efforts: “I am proud of our inspectors who work so diligently to protect the mail from being utilized to further illicit activities.” She credited collaborative efforts with IRS-CI in dismantling part of this operation and recovering its proceeds.
The U.S. Postal Investigation Service alongside IRS Criminal Investigation led this case's inquiry. The sentence was handed down by U.S. District Judge James P. Hanlon.
Acting U.S. Attorney Childress expressed gratitude towards Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Eakman for prosecuting the case effectively.
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