William Woods, a man who was homeless in Los Angeles, found himself embroiled in a case of mistaken identity that led to nearly two years of legal turmoil. It all began when Woods discovered someone was accumulating debt using his name. However, when he reported this to a bank, he was wrongfully accused of identity theft and spent time in jail and a mental hospital.
Recently, a former IT worker from Iowa, Matthew David Keirans, admitted to assuming Woods' identity for over two decades. Keirans faces federal charges for making false statements and aggravated identity theft, potentially resulting in a 32-year prison sentence.
The two men first crossed paths while working at a hot dog cart in Albuquerque in the late 1980s. Keirans began using Woods' identity in 1990, obtaining loans and employment under that name.
Upon learning of the debt in 2019, Woods attempted to clear his name but was mistakenly arrested due to the confusion surrounding his identity. He spent time in jail and a mental hospital before being released on a plea agreement.
Despite being ordered to stop using the name William Woods, he continued to fight for his true identity. Keirans, on the other hand, expressed frustration over the disputes and legal issues arising from the case.
Ultimately, DNA testing confirmed Woods' true identity, leading to Keirans' acknowledgment of his actions. The case has left both individuals and their families reeling from the unexpected turn of events.
