An elaborate identity theft scheme has come to a staggering conclusion as Matthew David Keirans, a 59-year-old technology expert from Hartland, Wisconsin, was handed a 12-year prison sentence. His remarkable talent for deception led to an innocent man's suffering for decades. Keirans had possibly the longest-running identity theft case in recent history, leaving his victim, William Woods, to languish under false accusations for years.
In April, Keirans had admitted guilt to charges of aggravated identity theft and providing false statements to a National Credit Union Administration insured entity. These revelations stunned Keirans' acquaintances, who had long regarded him as kind and dependable. While his family and friends grappled with disbelief, Woods experienced the relief of an unimaginable nightmare ceasing.
The history of Keirans and Woods is steeped in betrayal and manipulation. According to court documents, their paths first crossed in the late 1980s while working at a hot dog cart in Albuquerque, New Mexico. This seemingly innocuous encounter spiraled into a catastrophic predicament for Woods, who faced the wrongful consequences of a crime he did not commit.
The turning point came in 1988 when Keirans stole Woods' wallet. Though he returned the wallet, he had already obtained a crucial piece of identification - Woods' social security card. This vital document enabled Keirans to apply for a driver's license under Woods' name, establishing a false identity that he maintained for years.
Assuming the identity of William Woods, Keirans married, had a child, and even secured a position at the University of Iowa Hospital. Over the years, he utilized Woods’ identity to obtain credit union loans amassing more than $200,000. Meanwhile, Woods struggled financially, barely earning enough to file taxes.
The case took a dramatic turn in 2015 when YouTube personality Yousef Erakat, known as FouseyTube, discovered Woods living on the streets. Erakat's videos showcasing his assistance to Woods drew significant attention and helped Woods regain some control over his beleaguered identity. Using funds provided by Fousey, Woods enrolled in a credit-monitoring service, uncovering substantial debt and numerous accounts fraudulently opened in his name.
In 2019, Woods confronted a Los Angeles bank demanding they cease lending under his identity. This bold move backfired when bank officials called the police, siding with Keirans, whom they believed was the real Woods. This unfortunate error led to Woods being charged with identity theft and false impersonation, culminating in a lengthy jail and mental hospital ordeal.
After spending 428 days in jail and 147 days in a mental institution, Woods was released following a no-contest plea, a decision later vacated. Keirans, maintaining his fraudulent persona, even told police Woods should be institutionalized. However, DNA evidence confirmed Woods' identity beyond doubt, leading to the unraveling of Keirans' deceitful web.
Back in Albuquerque, Woods now works as a landscaper, resolved to reclaim his life and pursue compensation for his unwarranted incarceration. He reflects on his journey with determination to move forward, declaring, My main goal is to rebuild my life.