In a case spanning over three decades, 59-year-old Matthew David Keirans of Hartland, Wisconsin, has been sentenced to 12 years in federal prison for aggravated identity theft and making false statements. Keirans assumed the identity of William “Bill” Donald Woods, leading to Woods’ wrongful imprisonment and institutionalization.
The saga began in the late 1980s when both men worked at a hot dog cart in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Keirans stole Woods’ wallet in 1988, using the information to obtain a driver’s license in Woods’ name. Over the next 35 years, Keirans lived as Woods, securing loans, employment, and even marrying and fathering a child under the stolen identity.
Woods, unaware of the full extent of the identity theft, lived in poverty and homelessness. In 2019, upon discovering the fraudulent activities under his name, Woods attempted to rectify the situation at a Los Angeles bank. However, due to Keirans’ long-standing use of his identity, Woods was disbelieved, arrested, and charged with identity theft. He spent 428 days in jail and 147 days in a mental hospital before DNA evidence confirmed his true identity, leading to his release.
U.S. District Chief Judge C.J. Williams described Keirans’ actions as “callous and ruthless,” highlighting the severe impact on Woods’ life. Beyond the prison term, Keirans was ordered to pay a $10,000 fine and $6,190 in restitution to Woods for lost income during his wrongful incarceration.
Woods, now residing in Albuquerque and working as a landscaper, expressed relief at the sentencing and plans to seek compensation for his wrongful imprisonment. He emphasized his desire to rebuild his life after the prolonged ordeal.
