A Rock Cave man is facing a felony identity theft charge after he called a deputy to admit he had used a friend’s identity during a traffic stop, according to the Upshur County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputy Dakota Linger conducted a traffic stop on Feb. 7 on Route 20 for defective equipment, according to a press release from the department. The vehicle was a 1991 Ford.
The driver was asked to provide his driver’s license, registration and proof of insurance. The driver stated that he did not have any documentation with him and advised that it was at his residence. The driver identified himself as Joel Crawford and provided a date of birth along with the last four digits of his Social Security number.
Linger returned to his cruiser and requested that the Upshur County Comm Center verify the information provided. The name and date of birth returned as a valid match; however, the last four digits of the Social Security number did not match.
Linger returned to the vehicle and questioned the driver regarding the discrepancy. The driver corrected himself and provided the correct Social Security number. Through the investigation, Linger discovered that the vehicle had no insurance and had it towed.
On Feb. 12, Linger received a phone call from David Warman, 50, of Rock Cave, regarding the Feb. 7 traffic stop. Linger responded to the residence to speak with Warman in person.
Warman allegedly admitted that during the Feb. 7 traffic stop, he provided false identifying information. He stated that he gave the name, date of birth and Social Security number of his friend, Joel Crawford, because his own driver’s license was revoked for DUI. Warman further admitted that after initially providing an incorrect Social Security number, he texted Crawford to obtain the correct last four digits so that he could provide matching information when questioned again.
Warman then stated that Crawford later became aware that he had received a citation and told Warman to correct the situation, the release states. Warman was charged with Driving While License Revoked, No Insurance and Identity Theft (felony).
He was transported to Tygart Valley Regional Jail.
