UW-Madison sophomore Austin Cannon was arrested early Wednesday morning after his alleged ring of producing fake identifications was discovered, according to Madison police.
Police said the incident came about when they responded to an apartment fire at 400 N. Carroll St. Cannon, 19, from Massachusetts reportedly burned some food, which caused an excessive amount of smoke to billow from the building.
According to police, as they looked into the investigation of the fire, they found numerous fake California identifications in Cannon's room. Police said Cannon intended to sell the fakes.
Madison police spokesperson Mike Hanson said Cannon was charged with forgery. He also said the investigation is in the early stages and did not know whether those who bought IDs from Cannon would be identified.
Dane County Assistant District Attorney Mike Verveer, said Cannon spent over 24 hours in jail and was released Thursday afternoon. He said he has rarely seen a case such as this in his time as DA. Verveer said forged passports are more often the norm.
