FOX 21/27 – WFXR Roanoke/WWCW Lynchburg News, WeatherPolice admit case of mistaken identity

Police admit case of mistaken identity

GILES COUNTY, VA --

Authorities in Pearisburg admit it was a case of mistaken identity.

Giles County prosecutors dropped charges against Howard Hughes, a man they believed was Dennis Carl Steinbauer.

Steinbauer has been a fugitive from Arizona since 2006.

The television show, America's Most Wanted, says on its website that it featured a story on Steinbauer last Friday night, February 3rd.

Court records show Steinbauer is facing four felony counts of aggravated sexual assault in Arizona.

Law enforcement sources told 10 On Your Side that neighbors in Pearisburg started calling America's Most Wanted after seeing the report, believing they had seen Steinbauer.

Pearisburg police then arrested Hughes, at that time thinking he was Steinbauer, on February 8th.

Hughes spent two nights in the New River Valley Regional Jail before Pearisburg police finally figured out their mistake.

Hughes's fingerprints did not match Steinbauer's prints.

The similarities between Hughes and Steinbauer are uncanny.

Both have similar heights, according to court records and information from the America's Most Wanted website.

Both also have almost identical weights, and ironically, the same birth date.

The AMW website reads that Steinbauer prefers to ride a bike.

Neighbors in Pearisburg said Hughes always rides a bike.

Authorities said both men also have family ties to Pennsylvania.

Hughes is now free, cleared of any wrongdoing.

Steinbauer is still a fugitive but authorities doubt he is in Virginia.