Police Log: Man Uses Brother's Identity To Avoid Misdemeanor, Charged With Felony

Adam Tellier, 31, of Woonsocket faced a misdemeanor charge for driving with a suspended license during a Dec. 24 traffic stop, but used his brother Nathan's name, eventually adding obstruction and felony identity theft to his charges.

Adam, whose license was suspended, provided Nathan's name, social security number, date of birth and license number when asked for ID. Unfortunately for Adam, Nathan's license was also suspended, and he was arrested under his sibling's identity. 

Adam's subterfuge might've landed his brother in jail if Nathan hadn't been warned by a text from his brother's ex-girfriend that there were citations in his name in his brother's possession.

Nathan visited the Woonsocket Police station at 242 Clinton St. Feb. 11 to explain the mix-up, providing an ID card proving his identity. The arresting officer, Andrew Broccoli, confirmed he was not the man arrested Dec. 24, noting he weighed about 50 lbs more than Adam. Photos of both men on record at the station also proved Nathan's account, according to Broccoli's report.

Nathan feared that Adam had failed to appear for a court date on the charge, resulting in a warrant in his name for failing to appear. Broccoli confirmed this was the case. Nathan was given a copy of the police report from his visit to prove his innocence, and a new arrest warrrant for the correct brother was issued.

On March 4 at 8:20 p.m., RI State Police arrested Adam at 575 River St., They delivered him to the Woonsocket Police Station, where he was charged with obstruction of an officer in the course of his duties, driving on a suspended license and identity fraud, a felony. He was also charged with failing to appear on the original suspended license charge.