Troopers: Carmel Woman Uses Sister's Identity for Traffic Stops, Court

A 39-year-old Carmel woman gave her sister's name and date of birth during two separate traffic stops in Putnam, and subsequent court interactions, police say.

Deborah J. McClellan is facing two counts of second-degree criminal impersonation, misdemeanors, two counts of first-degree falsifying business records, felonies, and two counts of second-degree forgery, felonies, State Troopers at the Southeast Barracks said earlier this week.

Her sister reported the crimes after receiving correspondence from the courts.

Police stopped McClellan for vehicle and traffic law violations on two instances: Oct. 2, 2012 in Southeast and Feb. 2, 2013 in Kent, according to officials.

"During both traffic stops Ms.McClellan identified herself as her sister and provided her sister’s name and date of birth in an attempt to avoid detection for a suspended driver’s license," authorities said. "Ms. McClellan received numerous uniform traffic tickets in her sister’s name in both jurisdictions.  Ms. McClellan then continued the deception by completing relevant documents and interacting with both courts."

Following arraignment before Town of Kent Judge Kevin Douchkoff, McClellan was released. She's due in Southeast Justice Court May 2, and Kent Justice Court May 29. 

Editor's note: State Police provided this information. It does not indicate a conviction.