Identity Theft Scheme Ends After Three Decades: Perpetrator Pleads Guilty
The decades-long identity theft that led to the wrongful incarceration and institutionalization of the victim has concluded with the perpetrator's guilty plea.
- Matthew David Keirans pleaded guilty to identity theft, admitting to using his victim's name in every aspect of his life, facing up to 32 years in prison.
- The victim, William Donald Woods, spent over 400 days in jail and nearly 150 days in a mental hospital due to the identity theft.
- The scheme began in 1988 when Keirans and Woods met at a hot-dog stand, leading to Keirans using Woods's identity for insurance, loans, and even employment.
- Keirans's actions led to Woods being arrested and institutionalized as authorities believed him to be the perpetrator.
- The case was unraveled by a detective using DNA evidence, leading to Keirans's confession and the eventual vindication of Woods.
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