Roger A. Pearce Jr. spent three decades as a successful attorney in the Northwest, representing prominent people and high-profile businesses in Oregon and Washington.

He dedicated his free time to nonprofit boards and planning commissions. He spent countless hours doing pro bono legal work. He was well-liked in social circles and part of a happy marriage.

By all measures, the name Roger Pearce was synonymous with success and respect. Except for one thing:

Roger Pearce was not actually Roger Pearce.

Who is the real Roger Pearce? Why did a prominent lawyer spend 50 years masquerading under a stolen identity? And how did the truth finally come to light?

On the latest episode of Beat Check, Maxine Bernstein, who covers the federal court and crime and law enforcement for The Oregonian/OregonLive, shares the gripping story of how a prominent lawyer stole the identity of a deceased baby.

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