February 12, 2025 | JacobiJournal.com — 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.
Cases involving stolen identities of deceased individuals are particularly troubling because they often go undetected for years. Experts note that criminals exploit gaps in death records and reporting systems, making it easier to assume a false identity without immediate suspicion. This form of identity theft not only deceives institutions but also causes additional pain for families of the deceased, who may face unexpected legal or financial complications when the fraud is uncovered.
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
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.
For consumers, the risks go beyond financial loss. Identity theft can damage credit scores, delay loan approvals, and even create legal complications if stolen information is tied to criminal activity. Experts recommend monitoring credit reports regularly, safeguarding personal documents, and reporting suspicious activity immediately to reduce exposure to fraud.
Read the full report from the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office.
FAQs: About the Philadelphia Identity Theft Case
What did investigators uncover in this Philadelphia identity theft case?
They discovered the man had stolen the identity of a classmate who died in 1986, using it to commit fraud and obtain official documents.
How was identity theft connected to insurance fraud in this case?
The defendant used the stolen identity to secure insurance and even filed a fraudulent workers’ compensation claim.
What legal consequences follow identity theft convictions like this one?
In this case, the plea deal included a prison term of six to 23 months, probation, and a permanent ban on using another person’s identity.
Why is identity theft considered a serious crime?
It undermines public safety, increases financial risks, and can even raise national security concerns when used to obtain documents like passports.
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