Not Fit For Print

The identity theft charge against local no-growth activist Mark Knapp — and allegations that he had nearly $70,000 in gold coins in his apartment and a plethora of mail addressed to other people — were a bit…um…weird.

But here’s where the weird get weirder, in a truly Corvallis sort of way. Knapp’s fondness of the First Alternative Co-op may be used as evidence against him.

Ah, the Co-op, the gourmet/granola place where you can get all sorts of healthy and delicious food items. The place where Knapp had unsuccessfully run for a position on the board of directors, according to court paperwork. The place where, approximately six weeks ago, Knapp had applied for employment.

Well, two phone numbers used to call in on fraudulent credit cards were registered to the First Alternative Co-op, according to the criminal complaint against Knapp. An employee said a phone was registered to the store and it was for customer use.

The calls were placed on April 18 at 7:47 p.m. and on May 2 at 3:22 p.m.

Mark Knapp made purchases at the Co-op, and used his customer number during these, at 8:11 p.m. April 18 and at 3:14 p.m. May 2.

Also, a First Alternative worker was the person so familiar with Knapp that she was able to identify him in a bank surveillance video — even though the suspect’s face was mostly covered — based on his distinctive gold-rimmed glasses, eyes and nose.

On another note, Knapp apparently wasn’t too careful when his cat needed veterinary help.

On Feb. 25, a charge for $87.85 was made to Willamette Veterinary Clinic with a fraudulent credit card. It was for “Pippy,” Knapp’s cat. The clinic was able to provide surveillance video of the transaction and Knapp was captured on the images, according to the criminal complaint against him.

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