Creator of Delaware Teen Driving Program Has Felony Record

April 11, 2008

Officials in Delaware say they’ve learned the man behind a safe driving course being offered to Delaware teenagers has a felony record.

Authorities say Paul Burris was convicted in 2005 in Florida in a grand theft and fraud case. He was accused of double-billing Florida’s Highway and Motor Vehicle Department for a car and of fraudulently receiving excess payments for driving manuals.

State Insurance Commissioner Matt Denn says the driving classes will save lives and should continue, without Burris having control or connection to the program’s funds.

Denn’s office paid more than $14,000 in state funds to bring the course to Delaware.

The information about Burris’ past was learned Thursday, one day after Dover Police introduced the driving classes.

___

Information from: Delaware State News