Dinner and ID Theft?
It was supposed to be a casual cup of coffee after a business meeting in Annapolis. The victim had just signed a business contract with one Thomas Calvin Eichelberger, and the older man offered to buy him a cappuccino. Dinner and drinking followed, then a sick and queasy feeling, and somehow the victim woke up in Eichelberger’s home, in his bed, unclothed.
Drugged, Stripped and Photographed
A camera found under the bed showed nude photos of the victim, who eventually dressed and went home unsteadily to his wife and mother in law. From there he went to the hospital, where medics found a cocktail of opiates in his system.
The victim went on to subsequently question Eichenberger about their business dealings, and the other man’s evasiveness spurred him to check his credit report. Sure enough, two new credit cards had been opened in his name – though the bills were being directed to Eichenberger’s address.
Scammer Continues his Work
Eichenberger’s home was subsequently searched, and cocaine and marijuana found – along with an email threatening the victim with plans to forward photos to the victim’s attorney. The Hillsmere man was charged with tampering with food and drink, second-degree assault, possession of cocaine and marijuana, and two counts of identity theft. He posted bail and was promptly released – in spite of the fact that it is almost certain that he continues his scams.
Police allege Mr. Eichelberger has a pattern of befriending people and then slipping prescription drugs into their food or drinks to alter their judgment. He is known to frequent hotels and bars in the Annapolis and Hagerstown areas, police said.
“We are looking for people who may have been victims … of his actions,” Ms. Russo said Friday, adding that police have filed no new charges against him but want to speak to anyone who has seen Mr. Eichelberger in a restaurant or bar.
ID Theft Via Blackmail
Don’t be afraid of only physical assault from those who you might meet or have business dealings with. The victim in this case suffered from identity theft and attempted blackmail from a business associate he had no reason to distrust, who drugged and robbed him of more than his wallet. The victim was smart and checked their credit report – an early warning system such as a credit monitoring program can also help.
