By Dan Towery, For the Journal and Courier

11/29/02

I was appalled at the recent decision of Tippecanoe Circuit Judge Ronald Melichar in sentencing Austin Templin to only two years on probation for selling fake IDs. Templin and his roommate, Kelly Boyle, manufactured and sold 500 to 600 fake IDs and sold them for $50 to $100 apiece. According to the Journal and Courier article, Melichar only sentenced Templin to probation because no one was harmed by Templin's actions.

Indeed, we do not know if anyone has been physically harmed as of the date of sentencing. How many fake IDs are still being used to illegally purchase alcohol by those underage? How many of those who used fake IDs to purchase alcohol will need alcohol treatment later in life? How many fake IDs were issued using a false name that the authorities have no idea if they were subsequently involved in a serious crash after consuming large quantities of alcohol?

Melichar's message with his sentencing is that those who manufacture and sell fake IDs will only receive a slap on the wrist. Despite making thousands of dollars with his illegal activities, Templin didn't even have to pay a fine.

It is also ironic that the alert clerk at the Lafayette liquor store who took the fake ID from a female customer that broke this case actually violated Indiana State Excise Police recommendations. Indiana State Excise Police policy is that bar and liquor store employees should not confiscate fake IDs but should return them to their owners. This policy doesn't make any sense. If Dan Steiner, the excise police attorney who supports this policy, can't or won't change it, then our legislators should.

Finally, in the wake of 9-11, how do those who manufacture fake IDs know that the purpose is solely for underage patrons to buy alcohol? All of those who bought IDs from Templin were not his friends or acquaintances. It would also be very easy to sell fake IDs over the Internet to who knows whom or for what purpose. A fake driver's license enables one to easily obtain other forms of fake identification.

Maybe Templin is a smart young man from a good family, as Templin's attorney, James Voyles, stated. However, those who manufacture fake IDs contribute to the risk of possible death or serious injury of those purchasing the fake IDs, as well as innocent individuals who just happen to be on the road. There must be consequences when an individual is caught participating in illegal activities.

Judge Melichar decided on a slap on the wrist; I hope the judge in Vigo County will see things a little differently. Those who manufacture and sell fake IDs need to do some jail time. Maybe then others will think twice before going into the fake ID business.