Kentucky man possibly stole up to 53 identities, police say

INDEPENDENCE, Ky. (WXIX) - A Kentucky man is facing charges after he was allegedly found with 53 stolen identities.

Kenton County Police Chief Spike Jones says that his department was contacted by a Sheriff's Office in Florida about a man whose identity had been stolen.

Court documents say that the man from Florida had never been to Kentucky, yet accounts were opened there in his name.

It turns out, the Florida man's was just one of dozens of stolen identities.

On Nov. 7, Kenton County Police arrested John Sharp.

After conducting a search of his home, authorities found fake drivers licenses from states including California, Ohio, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, and Utah.

"He was manufacturing some identifications using other folks information for the purpose of being able to write checks, open businesses, open accounts, withdrawal money and so forth," Chief Jones says.

Jones goes on to say that there could be as many as 53 victims based on what was found.

"This is one of the larger that I've seen in my tenure here with Kenton County Police Department," Jones says.

Sharp now faces at least 10 charges, including theft of identity and forgery.

FOX19 NOW discovered that Sharp was sentenced to two years for similar charges in Boone County, being released in November 2023.

Chief Jones encourages people to keep their personal information personal.

"Check the pumps and make sure that there's not a card reading or phishing device attached to the pump while you're inserting your credit card with your personal information," he warns. "It's really upon us to be vigilant in protecting that."

John Sharp is due back in court Nov. 8.

Chief Jones says there could still be more victims. If you think you're a victim of identity theft or have information about John Sharp,