An information technology expert, Matthew David Keirans, 59, from Hartland, Wisconsin, was sentenced to 12 years in prison for impersonating another man, William Woods, leading to Woods being wrongly jailed for identity theft. Keirans pleaded guilty to aggravated identity theft after a scheme dating back to 1988, when he stole Woods’ wallet and used his information to obtain a driver’s licence under Woods’ name. For years, Keirans lived as Woods, securing over US$200,000 in loans and working at the University of Iowa Hospital.
Woods, meanwhile, struggled with his identity and faced significant challenges, including wrongful arrest and a stay in a mental health facility. He was eventually able to prove his true identity after discovering debts opened in his name, and with support from a YouTuber, began a quest to reclaim his life. The confrontation escalated when police arrested Woods, mistakenly believing him to be Keirans.
The court proceedings revealed Keirans had an unstable background, leading to this drastic crime. Following investigations that confirmed Woods’ identity through DNA testing, Keirans was charged. Now back in Albuquerque and working as a landscaper, Woods plans to seek compensation for his wrongful incarceration, seeking to rebuild his life after years of turmoil.