NORWICH, CHENANGO CO. -- An Otsego County man is accused of pretending to be his brother during a drug arrest in Norwich.
Chenango County Sheriff's deputies pulled over 23-year-old Keith Oefelein on March 11 for using a cell phone while driving. During the traffic stop, deputies say they found a plastic bag with marijuana inside on the front seat. Deputies say Oefelein told them he didn't have any identification, but gave them a name and birth date to verify his identity. It turns out, he gave out his older brother's name, according to deputies. The older brother later went to the Sheriff's Office to clear his name.
His brother Keith was later arrested and charged with false personation. He is also charged with using a mobile phone while operating a mobile vehicle, unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle and unlawful possession of marijuana. He was sent to the Chenango County Correctional Facility in lieu of $500 cash bail and is scheduled to appear in Norwich Town Court at a later date.
