AWOL Army Soldier Accused Of Stealing Identity Of Seahawks And Trail Blazers Owner Paul Allen

Brandon Lee Price was listed as AWOL from the U.S. Army. He was wanted for being a deserter. He needed money. So he did what he could: He attempted to steal the identity of one of the wealthiest men on the planet. The FBI says Price changed the address on a bank account belonging to Paul Allen, the co-founder of Microsoft and the owner of the Seattle Seahawks and Portland Trail Blazers, back in January. A few days later, Price allegedly called the bank and had a debit card in Allen's name sent to his home in Pittsburgh. This is from the AP:

The card was used to attempt a $15,000 Western Union transaction and make a $658.81 payment on the Armed Forces Bank loan account the day it was activated, according to the complaint. Surveillance footage also captured him attempting purchases at a video game store and a dollar store, authorities alleged.

The ruse didn't last long, since the bank quickly noticed the obviously odd pattern of the transactions. It is not known how Price was able to compromise Allen's account. It's also not the first time someone in Seattle accused someone in Pittsburgh of stealing something really valuable.

Photo via Getty. FBI: Soldier Steals NFL Owner's Identity [AP]