(WNY News Now) – HARRISBURG — A Philadelphia County man has pleaded guilty to multiple felony charges after using a deceased classmate’s identity to fraudulently obtain official documents, including a driver’s license, vehicle registration, and insurance.
Anthony Percell, 56, admitted to charges of insurance fraud, theft by deception, identity theft, and forgery in Philadelphia County Court on Wednesday. Prosecutors say Percell also attempted to secure a concealed carry firearms permit under the stolen identity.
Under a plea agreement, Percell will serve six to 23 months in prison, followed by seven years of probation. His sentence will run concurrently with a separate federal prison sentence for related offenses, including using the deceased classmate’s identity to obtain a passport and access to airport facilities.
“This defendant brazenly stole the identity of a classmate who died decades ago, and used that information to apply for a concealed firearms permit and other privileges, potentially putting the public at risk,” Attorney General Sunday said. “I want to commend the work of our team and federal investigators and prosecutors who put a stop to this individual’s decades of deception.”
As part of his sentence, Percell is prohibited from using anyone else’s identity for any purpose and must surrender any fraudulently obtained materials. He also filed a workers’ compensation claim using the stolen identity of his classmate, who passed away in 1986.
The state charges were prosecuted by Senior Deputy Attorney General Eric Schoenberg, while the United States Attorney’s Office handled the federal case.
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