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ID theft alleged

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A Mt. Washington man accused of ruining the credit of his former girlfriend was found with more than 200 pictures of women, and the names, addresses and Social Security numbers of numerous individuals, Pittsburgh police said.

John Robert Smith, 49, was arrested Thursday at his Boggs Avenue apartment complex on nine counts of identity theft, said Christine Luffey, a police crime prevention officer.

Luffey said investigators are now trying to determine if Smith, who left the victim with about $30,000 in unpaid bills, scammed other women.

"When he was arrested, he had a duffel bag with approximately 225 pictures of naked women, a number of birth certificates belonging to other people and lists of people's names, addresses and Social Security numbers."

Smith and the only known victim began dating in 2002. Although they never lived together, Smith had access to the 51-year-old woman's confidential papers, Luffey said.

"He opened up nine different accounts using her name. He used her maiden name on occasion and even added Smith to some of these names."

The victim said she last saw Smith in December. Smith, who was awaiting arraignment in Night Court, was living with another woman when he was arrested.

Luffey said the victim, whose car stopped running, can't get a loan to purchase another vehicle because her credit is so poor.

"This was someone she trusted," Luffey said. "He's very devious, very crafty, very clever. He ruined this woman."