Long-Lost Identity Theft: California Man Arrested After Decades of Deception
STOCKTON, CA — In a shocking case of identity theft, Stephen Craig Campbell, 76, was arrested in New Mexico after reportedly assuming the identity of a deceased classmate to evade authorities for over four decades. Campbell, a native of Stockton, is accused of using the identity of Walter Lee Coffman, a University of Arkansas graduate who tragically died in a car accident in 1975 at the young age of 22.
The unsettling connection between Campbell and Coffman lies in their attendance at the university around the same time. Coffman, affectionately known as “Butch” to his family, had a bright future ahead of him, including a job lined up post-graduation, according to his aunt, Sharon Ennis. "To think that after all these years someone has used his identity for his own gain is devastating," Ennis lamented.
Campbell’s alleged deception began in 1984 when he first applied for a passport as Coffman. Over the years, he updated various documents, including renewing his passport numerous times and even obtaining a replacement Social Security card, all in Coffman’s name. Investigators estimated that Campbell collected about $140,000 in Social Security benefits unlawfully.
Authorities eventually noticed discrepancies in Campbell’s identity when he sought to renew his New Mexico driver’s license in 2019. A subsequent investigation revealed his fraudulent activities and the fact that he was wanted for an attempted murder charge stemming from a 1982 incident where he allegedly planted a bomb.
When law enforcement executed a search warrant on Campbell’s property, they discovered a cache of firearms, despite Campbell being prohibited from owning weapons. He now faces charges related to passport misuse and remains in custody, with potential additional charges under review. If convicted, he could face up to 10 years in prison, leaving the Coffman family grappling with the painful legacy of a stolen identity.
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