MADISON COUNTY, Ill. — A man who used to live in Madison County is now facing new charges after police said he stole someone's identity to evade charges in the 1990s.
Robert D. Mason III, 53, was charged with one count of identity theft after police said he used the personal information of another person to get credit and property.
According to a press release from Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine's office, Mason was charged with attempted murder and home invasion in 1994 but skipped town. According to the initial charges, police believed he shot a man four times with the intent to kill the man then forced his way into a woman's home all on May 15, 1994.
The press release said the Alton Police Department launched an investigation into the identity theft when an Alton man called them to report that someone had used his identity in a financial transaction. Police identified Mason as the suspect, and the U.S. Marshals Service helped take him into custody in Kalamazoo, Michigan.
The 1994 charges have remained pending for 30 years.
“I’m extremely proud of the Alton Police Department investigators who diligently pursued this 30-year-old case," Alton Police Chief Jarrett Ford said, "Specifically, Detective Sgt. Jim Siatos and Detective John Wimmersberg were both instrumental in the investigation and arrest of Mason in Michigan. They used their investigative skill combined with technology and great partnerships with other law enforcement agencies to ensure justice is served 30 years later.”
Mason is being held in the Madison County Jail pending a pre-trial detention hearing. Haine said he will file a petition for Mason to be held in custody while awaiting trial.
