A New Jersey man, Ryan Ward, paraded around Belmar, New Jersey claiming to be Yankees pitcher Joba Chamberlain until he was found to be a fraud. Unfortunately, for Mr. Ward someone eventually figured out he was not the Yankee star. As part of his sentence he must stay out of Belmar bars for two years. In the Asbury Park Press, it was stated that:
"The so-called fake Joba confessed that he signed some 100 autographs for adoring fans, dated "many'' women and enjoyed free food and drinks.
"People were star-struck and wanted to hang out with me, take me places,'' said
Ward, 30, formerly of Asbury Park. ""It was a joke. That's the bottom line.''
Police were not amused. Ward was arrested in August and spent a day and a half in the county lockup, at one point facing a charge of criminal simulation, an indictable offense, though that charge later was downgraded to theft by deception."
New Jersey Criminal Lawyer Blog's Take: Here we have reactions all across the board to this story. I'm sure some people are wondering what is the big deal--lots of people tell fantasy storys when out at the bars. What's the difference between this guy claiming he is Joba and somebody claiming he is the heir to the Johnson & Johnson fortune. The difference is that this person obtained items through false pretenses, which is against the law.
Joba the Not thrown out of area bars for two years, February 12, 2009 Asbury Park Press
How the Imposter played his game, February 12, 2009 Asbury Park Press
