NCJ Number
225560
Date Published
2008
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This paper presents a case where the Arizona Department of Juvenile Corrections (ADJC) confirmed the false identity of an adult posing as a juvenile through the examination of dental x-rays.
Abstract
In August 2007, a young adult male posing as a juvenile was arrested and charged by the Pima County Sheriff’s Office for possession/transportation of marijuana for sale, after the vehicle he was in was stopped by the U.S. Border Patrol near the Arizona-Mexico border. With no identification, the young man maintained he was 15 years of age throughout detention, trial, and adjudication. He was adjudicated as a juvenile and committed to at least 12 months to the ADJC. Due to behavior patterns, the staff of the ADJC was suspicious of the age the young man claimed. At the request of the ADJC psychologist, an agency dentist was asked to examined the young man and determine if he was indeed the age he claimed (15 years). After an examination of his wisdom tooth development it was determined the young man was actually between 18 and 20 years of age. Later, the young man confessed to his true identity and date-of-birth, along with family confirmation. After all legal processes were completed, the juvenile charges were dismissed and he was convicted as an adult of possession of marijuana for sale, a class 4 felony, and sentenced to 2 years with the Arizona Department of Corrections. Even though the young man was suspected of providing false information, it was the dental community that broke and solved the case.