Full Breakdown
Investigation into Identity Theft of Deceased Children in Washington
4/24/2026, 12:59:01 AM
Core Event: Identity Theft of Deceased Children
Two men in their 50s, identified as Tim Seidenfeld and Glenn Scotzin, are under investigation for allegedly living under the stolen identities of deceased children for over three decades. The Pasco Police Department in Washington state has confirmed that these identities trace back to two Idaho children who died in separate accidents during the early 1970s. The police are seeking public assistance to uncover details about the men's lives prior to adopting these aliases.
Background & Context: The Origins of the Case
The investigation into Seidenfeld and Scotzin began when authorities discovered that the men had assumed their identities around 1990. Their initial presence was noted in Salem, Oregon, and Seattle, Washington, shortly after they appropriated the names. Since then, they have left a sparse trail across multiple states, including Idaho, Arizona, Texas, and California. The police have indicated that the men may have worked in the telecommunications industry during the early 1990s, but the absence of official employment records complicates the investigation.
Official Statements & Responses
Pasco Police Lt. Tom Groom emphasized that the department is not attempting to locate the men, as their whereabouts are known. Instead, the focus is on understanding how they have lived under these stolen identities for so long. "We’re asking for information about how they’ve been living their lives with their appropriated names," Groom stated. The police have acknowledged the challenges posed by the length of time the men have operated under these identities, which has made traditional identification methods ineffective.
Criticism & Opposition: Public Concerns
The unusual nature of this case has raised questions among the public regarding how such identity theft could occur without detection for over 30 years. Critics may argue that this situation highlights potential gaps in identity verification processes and the need for more robust systems to prevent similar cases in the future.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the police have confirmed the identities of the two men and their locations, there are no details available regarding any other potential criminal activities they may have engaged in during their time using these identities. Additionally, the lack of employment records raises questions about their financial activities and how they supported themselves over the decades.
What's Next: Ongoing Investigation
Authorities are actively seeking information from the public to assist in the investigation. They have encouraged anyone who may recognize Seidenfeld or Scotzin or who has information about their past to contact the Pasco Police Department. The outcome of this investigation may lead to further inquiries into identity theft and its implications.
Verbatim Quotes
“Due to the length of time these individuals have operated under stolen identities, traditional identification methods have proven to be challenging,” — Pasco Police Lt. Tom Groom
“We’re not looking to find them. We’re well aware of their location,” — Pasco Police Lt. Tom Groom
“We’re asking for information about how they’ve been living their lives with their appropriated names.” — Pasco Police Lt. Tom Groom
