Man charged with making, selling fake IDs

Cape Girardeau police are cautioning business owners to be on the lookout for fake identification cards after the Saturday arrest of a man suspected of selling them.

Seth B. Stevens, 20, faces charges of underage drinking, possession of a fake driver's license, possession of a forging instrument and counterfeiting. He is in jail in lieu of $10,000 bond.

About 4:15 p.m. Saturday, police responding to a call about an intoxicated person found Stevens in the 400 block of Marie Street, according to a news release from the Cape Girardeau Police Department.

Stevens was bleeding and appeared to have fallen down when officers found him, the release stated.

After Stevens received medical attention for his injuries, police took him to the station and later began an investigation into fraudulent state identification cards, the release stated.

Darin Hickey, public information officer for the Cape Girardeau Police Department, said a search of Stevens' home turned up items consistent with an identification-card counterfeiting operation.

"He had a sophisticated and elaborate operation," Hickey said. "It took several officers a lot of time to retrieve those items and to inventory those items as well."

Hickey said Stevens appeared to be making and selling out-of-state identification cards.

Stevens' customers could face charges of their own if they are caught with one of the cards, Hickey said.

"If you purchased an ID from him and are in possession of a fake ID, then you could be in trouble as well," he said.

Hickey advised business owners to keep an eye out for the counterfeit cards and call police if something doesn't look right.

"We also want business owners to be aware. Be careful and watch, and if you have any questions, always feel free to call us and ask for advice," he said.

epriddy@semissourian.com

388-3642

Pertinent address:

400 block of Marie Street, Cape Girardeau, MO