ID theft suspected after man discovers his arrest

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LANCASTER -- It's been a tough couple of days for Dustin Cook.

On Thursday he opened the Lancaster Eagle-Gazette to find he had been accused of stealing from a Lancaster bar Tuesday when he said he hadn't even been in the bar. But then he said he realized it probably was an old acquaintance of his, Josiah Knight -- someone he said has done this to him before.

Cook called the Lancaster Police Department, which had been investigating the Tuesday theft. According to the Lancaster police reports, a suspect entered Hillbilly Heaven, 321 S. Columbus St., and ordering some food around 11 a.m. Tuesday. He distracted the employee working at the bar by clogging the toilet. When the employee went to clean up the restroom, the suspect allegedly took $150 from the register, took a wheeled dolly and left the business, the report said.

The employee discovered the money was gone when she returned, then called police.

Officers followed the dolly tracks in the snow to the suspect.

The suspect identified himself as Cook, providing the police with his full name, Social Security number and address. The suspect was issued a summons and charged with misdemeanor counts of theft and obstructing official business.

But now the police say they think the suspect is Josiah Knight, 26, of Peebles.

"He's memorized my name, Social Security number and address and we look similar," Cook said. "When he gets caught he gives them my name."

Cook said he had known Knight since elementary school.

Taking care of the identification problem this time was little easier, Cook said. "I went to the police and they were able to pick Knight up Wednesday night," Cook said.

In addition to the misdemeanor counts of theft and obstructing official business from the Hillbilly Heaven theft, Lancaster police also have charged Knight with identity theft, criminal mischief and possession of marijuana.
Bond was set for Knight at $3,500.

Cook said he is checking his credit record and worked with police to make sure his Social Security number is flagged for identity theft whenever it is used again so officers won't mistake him for Cook.

"I'm just glad we were able to clear it all up so quickly," Cook said. "I just wish he wouldn't use my name again. Now his alias is my name."