Soldier In Iraq Victim Of Identity Theft
August 17, 2010
When
a soldier serving in Iraq realized that he was missing $6000
from his bank account in Arizona, he immediately began checking
his accounts and credit. At that point, much to his surprise, he
found out that he was also in the process of purchasing a new
truck.
Richard Burke is currently serving in the U.S. Army and
stationed in Iraq. While away on active duty, an acquaintance,
Richard L. Schrodt, 21, began using his identity. Schrodt (seen
in photo at right) knew Burke from high school and knew
that he was away in Iraq. Due to the fact that they look very
similar, he was able to obtain a duplicate driver's license and
then assume Burke's identity.
Here in the U.S., Burke's mother immediately began checking on
his accounts when she received the information. When she saw the
inquiry from the Nissan dealership, she called and asked why
they were inquiring about her son's credit. She was told that
Richard was purchasing a new truck and that he was currently at
the dealership to take delivery. As soon as she explained the
situation, the management tried to stall Schrodt, but he became
suspicious and ran from the dealership.
Detectives began working on the case and on the morning of
August 16, 2010 he was located at an apartment in Mesa, where he
was arrested. During further investigation, they found that
Schrodt had rented the apartment under Burke's name as well.
Even after his arrest, Schrodt continued to insist that he was
Burke. However, his fingerprints proved that he was Schrodt. He
was booked on three counts of forgery and three counts of
identity theft.