John Doe of Owego Accused of 22-years of Identity Theft

Federal prosecutors apparently aren’t sure of the identity of a man accused of stealing social security benefits with a stolen identity starting in 1999, but they have arrested and charged him.

Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News (file)

The U.S. Justice Department does know the man is from Owego. He’s being called “John Doe, age unknown” but he was arrested Wednesday on charges of Supplemental Security Income fraud and aggravated identity theft.

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Prosecutors say the Tioga County man was able to obtain the name, Social Security number and date of birth of another person and was able to apply for and receive SSI benefits from 1999 through his arrest.

If convicted, the mystery man faces a maximum of five years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000.