Katharina Buczek
Following Brooke’s disappearance, it also came to light that someone had been using the missing 20-year-old’s identity to commit fraud.
States away, in New York City, one woman actually used Brooke’s name, date of birth, and social security number to enroll in graduate classes at Columbia University’s School of General Studies.
The woman registered for courses in psychology and criminology, and it took two full years before anyone realized she was using a stolen identity.
The identity theft was finally discovered in June 2006 after the woman used Brooke’s name to apply for a job.
Then, upon reviewing the woman’s application, her prospective employer decided to conduct an internet search and realized that the real Brooke was actually a missing person.
So, authorities were contacted, and investigators identified the woman as Esther Elizabeth Reed.
Once Esther was confronted, she tried to claim that she was really Brooke and had just left her home voluntarily. Investigators did not believe her story, though, and set up a DNA test to find out the truth.
Esther did not show up to take the test, though. Rather, she decided to flee– taking only her cat, hairbrushes and combs, and toothbrush with her.
Upon further investigation, it was discovered that Esther had a lengthy history of identity theft. She would use the identities to enroll at different colleges and universities.
Although Esther did complete coursework at some prestigious colleges using the stolen identities, though, the woman herself never actually finished high school.
Instead, Esther took the GED exam, passed it, and then used Brooke’s name to take the SAT test prior to attending Columbia.
