Fugitive Who Stole Dead Graduate's Identity Pleads Guilty To Fraud
Campbell pleaded guilty to federal fraud, identity-theft and related charges after assuming the identity of a deceased college graduate, and he faces about 12 years in prison.[1]
He admitted to misuse of a passport, possession of false papers to defraud the United States, aggravated identity theft, and firearms and ammunition possession as a fugitive.[1]
Federal authorities say Campbell had used the identity of University of Arkansas graduate Walter Lee Coffman, who died in 1975, from at least 1984 onward to obtain a passport, Social Security card, benefits and property.[1]
Investigators say he fraudulently obtained roughly $140,000 in government funds through Social Security retirement benefits beginning in 2015.[1] A search of his New Mexico residence after his 2025 arrest in Weed recovered 57 firearms and a large quantity of ammunition.[1]
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📌 Key Facts
- On February 19, 2025, Campbell was arrested in Weed, New Mexico after about four decades as a fugitive on a 1983 Wyoming attempted murder warrant.
- Campbell pleaded guilty to misuse of a passport, possession of false papers to defraud the U.S., aggravated identity theft, and firearm and ammunition possession as a fugitive, and is expected to face 12 years in prison.
- He assumed the identity of University of Arkansas graduate Walter Lee Coffman, who died in 1975, using that identity from at least 1984 onward to obtain a passport, Social Security card, benefits and property.
- Investigators say Campbell fraudulently obtained roughly $140,000 in government funds via Social Security retirement benefits starting in 2015 under Coffman's name.
- A search of Campbell's New Mexico residence after his 2025 arrest recovered 57 firearms and a large quantity of ammunition.
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