Bush's Former Advisor, Claude Allen, May Offer "Twin" Defense

In an interesting development in the Claude Allen fiasco, there are reports that the "Evil Twin" defense may be utilized at trial (hat tip:  the stopped clock blog).  As you may already know, Claude Allen is the former top advisor to Bush who was recently arrested and charged with multiple felony theft counts relating to allegations that he engaged in a scheme all too familiar to those who've practiced criminal law--"returning" not-yet-purchased items using a prior receipt for identical items. 

Apparently, Allen has a twin, and there have been suggestions that his twin was the true culprit, as discussed here.  While it appears that the media pundits are scoffing at this defense, it's actually not all that uncommon of a situation.  I encountered a number of cases as an APD in which an innocent person was initially charged for crimes committed by their identical twin.  It's a perfectly legitimate defense, and may actually explain the bizarre actions attributed to this formerly upstanding citizen. 

I know that some of you may point to his alleged confession to the Target rent-a-cop as proof of his guilt, but I've never been one to give confessions to store security much credence, for any number of reasons. 

In any event, it's a strange case and one that I'll be following with interest.

Comments

[slickdpdx]

I had an armed robbery at an upscale grocery store in which only one witness could ID. While that witness was on the stand at trial, the defense marched the defendant's identical twin into the courtroom. It was intense.
We also had a single fingerpint match. I had to call an expert to establish that the twins' fingerprints were not the same!

[wdegraw]

I had a serial rapist identified by only DNA (for 15 rapes) that he had an identical twin brother. (This was after the ME testified on the People's case that identical twins have the same DNA).

On cross examination he admitted that they weren't really identical twins because they had different fathers and the other guy was several years older. Nevertheless, they were "really close," so he considered them twins anyway.

The "twin's" name (which he also made up): Butch

What a maroon! Eligible for Parole in 2454.

[Mike]

<>

Why not? That was Floyd admitting what he did the guard and the gaurd is holding the credit card with the name "Claude Allen" on it because Floyd obtained it in his brother's name because Floyd cannot get one in his own name due to his bankruptcy in 2001.

Floyd's a real piece of work ...!

[slickdpdx]

For those wondering about the identical twins question: prints are a product of environment, not genes. I guess, like post-conception injuries and so on, they are one reliable way to tell the difference. Wacky!