New Jersey Criminal Lawyer Blog

A case of identity theft appears to be present in Illinois. Vontae Davis, a N.F.L. first round draft pick of the Miami Dolphins, was apparently arrested in Champaign, Illinois on June 9, 2009 for driving without a valid driver's license and unnecessary vehicular noise. The arresting officer took Mr. Davis's license; the only problem was Vontae Davis was not in Champaign, Illinois. He was a thousand miles away in South Florida.

Eventually, this whole issue was cleared up when Davis acknowledged his wallet had been stolen in February while he was still at the University of Illinois. The Dolphins were able to clearly establish Davis's presence in the Miami area during the time that the imposter was being issued a summons. Davis left the facility at 3:30 p.m. on June 9, 2009 and returned at 7:00 a.m. on June 10, 2009, while the June 9, 2009 arrest was made at 6:40 p.m. in Illinois.

New Jersey Criminal Lawyer Blog's Take: This story emphasizes the other side of identity theft. The media always discusses how one can take your financial information, but the less publicized version creates just as many headaches. If your identification is stolen, you should report it stolen immediately to your local police department. While, the chance that the police will recover your stolen items is slim, the police report can at least serve as a notice that you no longer have your identification. Thus, if one was found in a similar situation as Vontae Davis, there could at least be some proof that the wallet was stolen. It would go a long way in proving you were not the person the authorities had targeted, especially considering that most people don't have high profile N.F.L. jobs where numerous people can easily corroborate one's whereabouts.

Sun-Sentinel Vontae Davis arrest

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