Ex-Marine Charged With Stealing Troops' Identities

By ELAINE SILVESTRINI The Tampa Tribune

Published: Oct 11, 2007

TAMPA - A former Marine corporal who told people he was a captain and walked around his apartment complex carrying a ceremonial sword has been indicted on charges he stole the identities of Marines he once served with, according to documents on file in federal court.

Among the service members whose identities were stolen was a Marine serving in Iraq, according to a complaint against Steven Lee Fickey, 29.

Fickey used the identities of at least seven active and inactive Marines to purchase at least $53,000 worth of items through a Web site maintained by the Army and Air Force Exchange Service, the complaint states.

Fickey was in the Marines from May 1999 through November 2000, and attained the rank of lance corporal by the time he was discharged. In September 1999, he was assigned to the Marine Corps base at Twentynine Palms, Calif., according to court records. All of the victims served at the same base when Fickey was there.

Earlier this year, the prosecution asked for an evaluation of Fickey's competency in a petition that suggested Fickey was trying to fake mental illness.

Witnesses told investigators Fickey maintained "a very militaristic bearing," according to the government's motion. "The defendant has been observed walking up and down the parking lot of the Park Del Mar Apartments complex in Tampa, wearing his uniform and carrying a ceremonial sword, apparently practicing parade drills."

When investigators searched his apartment on Dec. 1, 2005, he told them he didn't order or purchase the items in his apartments. He said the items "just keep getting delivered by the UPS man," the motion says. Fickey said he asked the UPS man to take the items away, but the UPS man refused. "He does receive a lot of items in the name of other people, but cannot explain why."

As the FBI was trying to schedule an interview with Fickey, he apparently tried to commit suicide by swallowing half a bottle of Tylenol and then calling 911, the motion says. In March 2006, Fickey told an FBI agent he had recently been in the hospital for a psychotic episode and depression, the motion says. He also said he hears voices.

The next month, he moved to an assisted living facility called Sunshine Manor in Plant City.

"At least two witnesses have indicated to federal investigators that they do not believe the defendant is mentally ill or unstable," the prosecution motion says.

Fickey was evaluated by a psychiatrist, who found him competent to stand trial, according to court papers. He is now free on bail.

Reporter Elaine Silvestrini can be reached at (813) 259-7837 or esilvestrini@tampatrib.com.