There is a popular website used by many to discover fun facts about their family ancestors and history. While one woman was filling out her family tree, she unintentionally made a discovery that led to the arrest of a man in Pennsylvania for identity theft. The man has apparently lived for 20 years under the name of a deceased baby, but he must now answer the formal charges under the identity with which he is said to have been born. Fortunately, he does not have to navigate the criminal court system alone. Experienced criminal defense attorneys are available for any accused persons to offer legal advice and provide ongoing support.

Allegedly, the man began living under another name around the 1996. After he apparently escaped a half-way home, he picked a name from a gravestone that listed a birthday close to his own. Allegedly, he obtained the birth certificate under the boy’s name as well. Over the years he has become married, divorced, moved to multiple states and became licensed to be a nurse assistant under the deceased boy’s name. 

Reportedly, his incorrect identity was discovered after the woman began asking questions about the status of one of her family members listed on the popular genealogy website. Her nephew had died in 1972 at the young age of two months, but he appeared as if he was still alive on the website. Her questions began an investigation that led to the defendant in question.

Identity theft is one of the most common white collar crimes that currently exists. Any person in Pennsylvania accused of identity theft could benefit from hearing the advice of an experienced criminal defense attorney. A lawyer can advise and inform an accused individual of applicable legal rights, options and the best defense strategies for each unique situation.

Source: newser.com, “He Died in 1972, Turned Up Alive and Well on Ancestry.com“, Elizabeth Armstrong Moore, April 13, 2017