Identity theft is scary. Last year, I lost my Social Security card and spent three months worrying and watching my bank account very closely. Thankfully, someone was able to return it to me and nothing ever came of it. I can't imagine spending 17 years of my life struggling with the problem that something actually did come of it.
David B. Dahlstrom, a locksmith in Salt Lake City has unwillingly shared his identity with Yorck A. Rogge, a German immigrant in Los Angeles.
Rogge used Mr. Dahlstrom's name since 1990 and has committed a series of crimes under it. Rogge is now facing 81 counts of identity theft and fraud.
Some major ethics come in to play right away. It seriously took 17 years to catch Rogge? Mr. Dahlstrom has difficulty getting credit and at one point was detained by police officers serving an arrest warrant in his name. In 1985, Mr. Dahlstrom lost his wallet in Utah. The wallet contained his birth certificate, Social Security card and driver's license. His identity wasn't officially stolen until five years later when Mr. Rogge was arrested and convicted of driving under the influence. The time line gets even better. Mr. Dahlstrom didn't even officially know his identity had been stolen until 1997 when he was contacted be creditors for "fraudulent activity." In 1998, he received an insurance claim for an accident he was not involved in and another claim a few years after. A few red flags finally threw him on the right track.
The police in Utah told Mr. Dahlstrom that there was a warrant out for his arrest. He called Los Angeles city attorney's office pleading for help. Well, its about time.
At the end of the long haul, Mr. Rogge faces up to 31 years in prison and is an illegal immigrant. I can't image why it took so long for this identity crime to be brought to a screeching halt.
Article by: RANDAL C. ARCHIBOLD
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