Feds say Seattle man used stolen identity for 35 years, ran up $100,000 in debt
By APThursday, July 30, 2009
Feds: Wash. man used stolen identity for decades
SEATTLE — Federal authorities say they’ve arrested a Seattle man who used the identity of an Oregon resident for 35 years to avoid arrest warrants and to file for bankruptcy after running up $100,000 in debt.
The suspect, 58-year-old Clark Mower, made his initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Seattle following his arrest Wednesday on charges of aggravated identity theft, Social Security number misuse and unlawful production of an ID.
Prosecutors originally charged him as “John Doe” while they worked to unravel his true identity. They say he used the Oregon man’s ID to avoid felony and misdemeanor warrants from California and to obtain benefits from Washington’s Department of Social and Health Services.
They say the Oregon man repeatedly tried to correct his financial records and credit history.
