Hawaii Pair Accused of Conspiracy, Taking IDs of Dead Babies
SnopesDec 27, 2022
Hawaii Couple Investigated for Identity Theft, Espionage
story
Image copyright: US District Court of Hawaii [via NBC]
The Facts
Walter Glenn Primrose - a US defense contractor - and his wife, Gwynn Darle Morrison, both in their sixties, have been charged with identity theft and conspiracy against the government, according to unsealed court records in Honolulu. The Hawaii-based couple is accused of living for decades under the assumed identities of two Texas children who had passed away.
The two, who allegedly lived under the names of Bobby Edward Fort and Julie Lyn Montague, were arrested Fri. on the island of Oahu. Prosecutors are seeking to have the couple held without bail.
The Spin
Narrative A
This odd and complex case suggests a tale of international intrigue. While the defense has argued the KGB uniforms were a Cold War-era prank, evidence of invisible ink, coded languages, and even maps showing US military bases point towards potentially a dark twist in this case. Ties to Soviet and Russian intelligence must be investigated to the fullest.
Narrative B
Allegations of international espionage have been blown out of proportion and demonstrate absurd government overreach. The case will show that Primrose and Morrison endured personal and financial issues, including losing their then-Texas home to foreclosure in 1987. Bad choices were made - including identify theft - but spying for a foreign government wasn't one of them.
