Drumright Man Working To Clear His Name

A case of stolen identity is causing big problems for an Oklahoma man.  A senior citizen in Drumright says his Social Security number has been stolen by an Arizona criminal.  The News On 6's Jeffrey Smith reports the mix-up could cost the Drumright man his Social Security benefits.

"I've never stolen in my life, and I'm gonna defend myself," said Richard G. Davis.

Richard G. Davis lives in an assisted living home.  Richard G. Davis has been through two strokes and a heart attack.  Richard G. Davis says he has no criminal record.

But last week, Richard G Davis got a letter.

"Social Security sent me a letter, saying that as of January 1st, my Social Security will be cut off because I'm a felon," said Richard G. Davis.

But, the warrant is for a Richard A. Davis in Flagstaff, AZ.

Richard A. and Richard G. aren't the same guy.

"When you run Richard G.'s name in the national crime information center it comes up as Richard Alan because of the different dates of birth, Social Security numbers, and information that this Richard Alan has used," said Drumright Police Chief Rocky Pinson.

Drumright, Oklahoma, is home to 3,000 people. Richard G. says he's lived in the town his entire life. He's known the police chief for years. Richard A. Davis out in Arizona has a different date of birth. He's used three different Social Security numbers, and he has 17 different aliases. And, there's about a dozen other clues proving that Richard A. in Arizona is not Richard G. in Oklahoma.

"On his criminal history, it shows that he's missing a right finger and has tattoos. Richard G. has all his fingers and no tattoos," said Drumright Police Chief Rocky Pinson.

So, the Drumright Police Chief sent his own letter saying that Richard G. hasn't done anything wrong.  Police say Richard A. Davis used Richard G.'s Social Security information as an alias.

"I'm pretty sure he just plucked it out of the air," said Drumright Police Chief Rocky Pinson.

"Crooks are not there by being honest people, so they use fake names, Social Security numbers, etc.  I apologize if someone is stuck in the middle of that.  We're going to have a supervisor from the Tulsa Social Security Office contact your gentleman and get the details from him," said Lou Wilcoxson with the Social Security Administration.

"It didn't hurt being cut off from Social Security, what hurt was being accused of something that I would never do," said Richard G. Davis.

And, right now, Richard G.'s more concerned about the damage done to his good name.