Taxicab License Suspended

Jaime Uzhcha, a Springs man who owns Jimmy’s Taxi Service, had his license suspended by the town’s licensing review board last week and is facing its possible revocation as well as a felony charge of possession of a forged instrument.

According to Mr. Uzhcha’s attorney, Carl Irace of East Hampton, the allegation is that he removed a town taxi sticker from one car and affixed it to another. Stickers, which are issued after inspections, are required for each vehicle used as a taxi. His company, as well as two cars used as cabs, were properly licensed by the town, Mr. Irace said. Mr. Uzhcha pleaded not guilty to the possession of a forged instrument charge in East Hampton Town Justice Court last Thursday.

The attorney said he had advised his client not to speak at a hearing the licensing review board scheduled last week but to wait until the felony charge had been settled. The board adjourned the hearing until July 20 but suspended his license.

Mr. Uzhcha had been arrested and released from police custody on the felony charge on $250 bail on June 2. A conviction on the forged instrument charge could carry a minimum sentence of one-and-one-third to three years in jail or a maximum of three to seven years, Mr. Irace said.