The Decades-Long Deception: A Man’s Escape from Justice

For nearly 50 years, Stephen Craig Campbell lived a life built on lies, hiding behind the identity of a man who had been dead since 1975. Using the name Walter Lee Coffman, Campbell managed to obtain a Social Security number, driver’s license, passports, and even cashed in over $100,000 in government retirement benefits. His elaborate scheme went undetected for decades, allowing him to purchase property and live a seemingly normal life in New Mexico. However, his reign of deception finally came to an end in February when law enforcement agencies apprehended him at his property in Weed, N.M. Campbell, now 76, has been charged with misuse of a passport and faces a slew of other charges tied to his falsified identity.

A Life on the Run: The Motive Behind the Deception

Campbell’s decision to assume another man’s identity stems from a dark past. In 1982, he was accused of attempted murder in Wyoming after allegedly planting a bomb at the doorstep of his estranged wife’s boyfriend. The explosive device, hidden in a toolbox, detonated when the boyfriend’s girlfriend opened it, causing her to lose a finger and setting fire to the condominium. After being released on bond, Campbell failed to appear in court and went on the run, sparking a nationwide manhunt. His disappearance in 1983 marked the beginning of his life as Walter Lee Coffman, a name that belonged to a University of Arkansas student who tragically died in a car accident in 1975 at the age of 22.

A Connection Forged: The Link Between Campbell and Coffman

The Justice Department revealed that Campbell and Coffman were classmates at the University of Arkansas, where both pursued engineering degrees. This shared history likely provided Campbell with the opportunity to steal Coffman’s identity. University records show that the two men were contemporaries, and it is believed that Campbell may have known Coffman personally. Coffman’s family was shocked to learn of the identity theft, with his aunt, Sharon Ennis, expressing her outrage and grief. “He desecrated my nephew’s good name,” she told local media, recalling how Coffman had been on his way home from visiting his fiancée when he died in a car crash.

Building a False Life: How Campbell Sustained the Ruse

Over the years, Campbell meticulously built a life under Coffman’s name. In 1984, he applied for a passport using Coffman’s identity, marking the beginning of a long and elaborate fraud scheme. He later obtained a Social Security card in Coffman’s name in 1995, using a fake Oklahoma driver’s license. By 2003, he had purchased property in Weed, N.M., under Coffman’s identity, further solidifying his cover. Campbell’s ability to evade detection for so long raises questions about the vulnerabilities in the systems designed to prevent identity theft and fraud. His actions not only deprived the real Coffman’s family of closure but also allowed him to live a life grounded in falsehood.

The cracks in the Facade: How Campbell’s Deception Unraveled

Campbell’s carefully constructed facade began to crumble in September 2019 when he attempted to renew his driver’s license in New Mexico. He presented a previously issued license, a Social Security card, and a U.S. passport—all bearing the name Walter L. Coffman. However, routine record searches revealed that the real Walter Lee Coffman had been dead since 1975. This discrepancy triggered an investigation that ultimately led authorities to Campbell’s 44-acre property in New Mexico. On February 19, law enforcement officers arrived at the property to execute arrest and search warrants. Campbell, armed with a scoped rifle, attempted to hide but was eventually detained after officers deployed stun grenades and ordered him to surrender.

Justice and Consequences: The Aftermath of Campbell’s Arrest

The authorities found Campbell’s property to be a veritable arsenal, seizing 57 firearms and large quantities of ammunition. His rifle, loaded with high-powered ammunition capable of piercing body armor, highlighted the danger he posed. Campbell is currently being held at the Doña Ana County Detention Center in Las Cruces, N.M., after being deemed a flight risk. Meanwhile, the Sweetwater County Sheriff’s Office in Wyoming has filed a detainer in connection with the 1982 attempted murder case, ensuring that Campbell will face justice for his past crimes.

As Campbell awaits trial, the case has sparked reflection on the broader implications of identity theft and the ease with which individuals can erase their past and assume new lives. While Campbell’s lawyer, David Benatar, has cautioned against jumping to conclusions, stating that his client is “presumed innocent,” the evidence against him is substantial. For the Coffman family, the discovery of Campbell’s deception has reopened old wounds, reminding them of the nephew they lost too soon. This case serves as a chilling reminder of the enduring impact of fraud and the importance of ensuring justice, no matter how long it may take.