Massachusetts men accused of posing as pop music stars

Back - Index - Submissions - - What is RSS? Date: Jan 11, 2003 Source: Las Vegas Review-Journal Submitted By: Gina By J.M. KALIL REVIEW-JOURNAL Two boy band wannabes could become the new kids on the cellblock. Two Massachusetts men who visited Las Vegas last year passed themselves off as members of New Kids on the Block and the Backstreet Boys to obtain Nevada driver's licenses and credit cards in the pop stars' names, according to a federal indictment unsealed this week. Patrick P. Ward, 23, and Michael Viskovic, 20, are accused of spending at least $1,000 each with those credit cards in November. "The indictment doesn't say anything about the Backstreet Boys or New Kids, but it's their names they used," said Natalie Collins, a spokeswoman for the U.S. attorney's office in Las Vegas. Ward and Viskovic face felony charges of identity theft, credit card fraud and Social Security fraud. Ward was arrested by postal inspectors and local police Thursday in Athol, Mass. Authorities were still searching for Viskovic. The pair used false Social Security numbers to obtain licenses from the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles, an indictment unsealed Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Las Vegas states. The indictment alleges that Ward obtained a driver's licence and Fleet Bank credit card in the name of Jonathan Rashleigh Knight, a singer for the immensely popular New Kids on the Block. Viskovic is accused of obtaining a driver's license in the name of Daniel William Wood, another member of the group, as well as a driver's license and American Express credit card in the name of Kevin Scott Richardson, a singer for the Backstreet Boys. Ward made his initial court appearance Thursday in Springfield, Mass., and is expected to be returned to Las Vegas following an identity hearing Monday, Collins said. Attempts Friday to reach representatives for Knight, Wood and Richardson were unsuccessful. Richardson, 31, is scheduled to make his Broadway debut Jan. 20 when he takes over the male lead in the musical "Chicago." According to Internet site MTV.com, the Backstreet Boys are hoping to begin work on a new album after Richardson's run ends in March. Knight, 34, and Wood, 32, virtually have disappeared from the cultural radar since their group's heyday about 15 years ago. Fueled by the adoration of millions of adolescent girls, New Kids on the Block's 1988 sophomore album sold 8 million copies. The group broke up in 1994. Comment on this item. Recent Comments Submitted by: nikelir Submitted by: kipetok Submitted by: snymrik Submitted by: Jennifer Submitted by: Kelly Submitted by: James Submitted by: David Submitted by: Antony Submitted by: Mark Submitted by: Kelly Click here to see more comments. Comment on this item. Next Item: Nick Carter Plans To Get 'Dirty' On His First Solo Headlining Tour Prev Item: Alleged boy-band fakers indicted for fraud, theft