Illegit Abe Lincoln Detected On Fake Illinois Driver’s License

TINLEY PARK, IL -- A funny looking Abraham Lincoln logo tipped off an eagle-eyed bank teller that an Illinois driver’s license might possibly be fake when a Park Forest man tried to open a checking account, prosecutors said. Lionel James, 22, of Park Forest, appeared before Cook County on a felony charge of possession of fraudulent ID.

The prosecutor said James walked into the Citibank branch at 17401 Oak Park Ave. on July 24 and told the teller he wanted to open a checking account. James allegedly presented an Illinois driver’s license with his picture but another person’s name on it. The teller noticed that the driver’s license did not feel “real” and that color of Abe Lincoln in the bank’s “authorized driver’s license” guide did not match the driver's license. An ultraviolet light also did not shine through the state of Illinois as it should. Police were summoned and James was placed under arrest, the prosecutor said.

The prosecutor said that James had no prior criminal background.James did not make any statements to police. He was released on a $10,000 I-bond. James’ next court date is Aug. 8 in Bridgeview.

~ Image via Illinois Secretary of State