Fake ‘Private’ License Plate Yields Felony Against St. Louis Man

ALTON – A St. Louis man faces a felony charge after driving in Alton with a fake “PRIVATE” license plate while his driver’s license had been revoked.

43-year-old Howard A. Penn of St. Louis was charged with a Class 2 felony for possession of a stolen title/certificate/license plate and a Class A misdemeanor for driving while his license had been revoked or suspended on Dec. 22, 2025.

Penn is accused of knowingly possessing a forged or counterfeit license plate and operating a motor vehicle on Piasa Street in Alton while his driver’s license had been revoked on Sept. 11, 2025. Charging documents state the vehicle was bearing a fictitious registration stating: “PRIVATE, no driver’s license or insurance required, not for commerce use, private mode of travel.”

The Alton Police Department presented the case against Penn, who was granted pretrial release from custody.

All individuals charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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