Deputy says suspect used relative’s name when stopped for speeding.
Cory J. Hillegas, 37, Weyauwega, is charged with identity theft, obstructing an officer and operating while revoked.
At 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 27, Waupaca County Deputy Brittany Mathewson stopped a silver van on State Highway 54 in the town of Mukwa.
According to the criminal complaint, the driver said he did not have his wallet or license and identified himself as “Robert A. Selle.”
A records check, however, did not find anyone by that name.
However, records did indicate the same name with the middle initial “J.”
Mathewson called but was unable to reach the vehicle’s registered owner.
The deputy then told the driver she did not believe him and asked why he was lying about his name.
“I thought maybe I had a warrant,” the driver said, according to the complaint.
Mathewson then issued “Selle” a traffic citation for speeding and a county ordinance citation for obstructing an officer.
Deputy Josh Krueger later spoke with the real Selle, who said he believed Hillegas had been using his name when he was pulled over.
On Jan. 16, Krueger interviewed Hillegas at the Outagamie County jail. Hillegas denied being stopped on State 54 and denied lying about his name.
On Jan. 17, Mathewson spoke with the owner of the vehicle she stopped on State 54. The owner said he had loaned his van to Hillegas about five times in the previous year.
Mathewson also viewed a booking photo of Hillegas, who was arrested in January for battery, and recognized him as the driver she stopped.
Hillegas is scheduled to appear in court on March 26.