Felony Guilty Plea Covers Identity Theft, Insurance Fraud, and Firearms Permit Application
Stealing Deceased Classmate’s Identity: A Philadelphia man has pleaded guilty to multiple felony charges after authorities discovered he had stolen the identity of a deceased classmate and used it to commit fraud. Attorney General Dave Sunday announced that Anthony Percell admitted to identity theft, insurance fraud, theft by deception, and forgery in Philadelphia County Court.
Decades-Old Identity Theft Uncovered
Investigators found that Percell had assumed the identity of a former classmate who died in 1986. He used the stolen information to obtain a driver’s license, register a vehicle, apply for a concealed carry firearms permit, and secure insurance. In a more elaborate scheme, he even filed a fraudulent workers’ compensation claim under the deceased individual’s name.
Percell’s crimes extended beyond state violations. Federal prosecutors also charged him for using the false identity to obtain a U.S. passport and gain airport access—both serious offenses that raised national security concerns.
Sentencing and Legal Consequences
Stealing Deceased Classmate’s Identity: Under a plea agreement, Percell will serve a prison sentence ranging from six to 23 months, followed by seven years of probation. Additionally, he is permanently barred from using anyone else’s identity for any reason. The court also ordered him to forfeit all assets and documents obtained through fraud.
Attorney General Sunday condemned the scheme, emphasizing its potential risks:
“This defendant brazenly stole the identity of a classmate who died decades ago and used that information to apply for a concealed firearms permit and other privileges, potentially putting the public at risk.”
A Warning on Identity Theft and Fraud
Cases like this highlight the dangers of identity theft, especially when used to commit multiple forms of fraud. Law enforcement agencies continue to crack down on individuals who manipulate personal information for financial and legal gain.
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Read the full report from the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office.