Bankrupt Father Steals Son's Identity, Racks Up Over $120,000 In Debt

A father who filed for bankruptcy in 2015 allegedly stole his own son's identity, and over the past six years, has ruined the young man's credit after spending approximately $120,000.

Michael Trichilo Sr. of Throop, Pennsylvania, was arraigned on Friday after turning himself in and has been charged with 18 felonies, including identity theft and fraud. He was caught after his 22-year-old son, Michael Trichilo Jr., saw that he had a terrible credit rating, and it was someone who has access to his social security information who had racked up his credit, ABC affiliate WNEP reports.

Trichilo Jr. first noticed something was wrong regarding his finances in 2016 after being denied a loan for his first car. He was initially hesitant to expose his father to the Lackawanna County police, and court papers indicated that the father had promised to clear some or all of the $120,000 debt but failed to do so. At that point, Trichilo's family contacted the police.

Trichilo Jr. could be held responsible for his father's actions if he does not correct his alleged misdoings.

The father is due in court next week after being released without having to post bail.