Stolen Identity Leads to Two Felony Charges

A 22-year-old Chicago man has been charged with two felonies after he allegedly used someone else's identity to purchase thousands of dollars worth of items at American TV in Oak Creek.

Using a fake name, Michael Pearson opened an American TV credit card account March 16 and purchased an Apple laptop, two iPads and a Samsung tablet totaling $3,817 in value, according to a criminal complaint. 

An Ohio resident whose identity was stolen told police he did not know Pearson and did not give him permission to use his name in any way, according to the complaint.

Pearson was arrested in the parking lot of American, 9191 S 13th St. He lied about where he received the merchandise, claiming someone just gave him the items outside the store, and insisted to police that "all you got me for is possession of stolen property," according to the complaint.

Police said Pearson was seen on video surveillance inside the store purchasing the items.

He has been charged with theft by fraud and unauthorized use of personal information, both felonies. The charges carry a combined maximum sentence of nine years, six months imprisonment and $20,000 in fines.