Alleged 'Drug Kingpin' Who Used Dead Baby's Identity Arrested In Florida

Authorities said a man was arrested in Florida after being on the run for over 35 years. He allegedly used a dead infant's identity when applying for passports, as well, according to NBC News.

Prosecutors described 72-year-old Howard Farley Jr. as an "alleged drug kingpin" involved in a drug operation that utilized the Southern Line railroad system. Officials said a Nebraska grand jury returned an indictment in 1985. Out of 74 defendants, Farley was allegedly the only one not taken into custody, authorities added.

Farley's luck ran out when federal agents nabbed him last Tuesday (December 1) at his home in Weirsdale, Florida. A criminal complaint said the 72-year-old used the late child's name, date of birth and social security number for a passport application he submitted in February.

Investigators said he used the infant's identity on passport applications in 1987, 1998 and 2008. Farley and the infant are not related, they added. "He also used it to obtain a driver’s license and a fraudulent pilot’s license," NBC News said.

The complaint also said the child was from Lake Worth and died when they were 3 months old in 1955.

Farley was charged with passport fraud but won't face charges related to the original drug case. The U.S. Attorney's Office in Nebraska told reporters the indictment was dropped seven years ago. His charge carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.

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