Attorney General Dave Sunday has announced that Anthony Percell, a Philadelphia County resident, has pleaded guilty to multiple felony charges. These charges stem from his fraudulent use of a deceased classmate's identity to obtain various documents and privileges.
Percell, aged 56, admitted guilt in the Philadelphia County Court to charges including insurance fraud, theft by deception, identity theft, and forgery. As part of a plea agreement, he will serve a prison sentence ranging from six to 23 months followed by seven years of probation. Additionally, Percell faced federal prosecution for using the deceased classmate's identity to secure a passport and airport access.
The state-imposed sentence will run concurrently with his federal prison term. Attorney General Sunday remarked on the severity of Percell's actions: "This defendant brazenly stole the identity of a classmate who died decades ago, and used that information to apply for a concealed firearms permit and other privileges, potentially putting the public at risk." He also praised the efforts of both state and federal investigators in halting Percell's long-standing fraudulent activities.
As part of his sentencing conditions, Percell is barred from using any false identities in the future and must relinquish all fraudulently obtained materials and assets. It was revealed that he had also filed a workers' compensation claim under the deceased classmate’s name.
Senior Deputy Attorney General Eric Schoenberg led the prosecution on state charges while the United States Attorney’s Office handled federal proceedings against Percell.