A 36-year-old man is facing identity theft charges for impersonating another man on Facebook, according to the San Luis Obispo County District Attorney's Office.
David William Platek is charged with two counts of felony identity theft and a misdemeanor charge of electronic impersonation.
The DA's Office says Platek created a fake Facebook account that appeared identical to the account belonging to Kevin P. Rice, a local political activist. Prosecutors say Platek used the account to publish false statements intended to damage Rice's reputation.
The investigation into the fake account reportedly began a year ago. Prosecutors say it was prompted by a comment made by the fake Kevin P. Rice account on a San Luis Obispo Tribune Facebook post.
Platek is due in court for arraignment on Thursday.
