SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS RADIO) – A Chico man who allegedly lived with the dead body of his roommate for four years has been charged with stealing the man's money and identity.
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Darren Pirtle, 57, was charged with identity theft and forgery on Monday in Butte County Superior Court.
On Sept. 21, the Chico Police Department served a search warrant for the home of Kevin Olson, 64, in the 2600 block of Burnap Avenue. The search warrant stemmed from a missing person investigation that began in August, Butte County District Attorney Michael Ramsey said in a press release.
When police entered the home, they found Pirtle living with Olson's corpse, Ramsey revealed. Detectives said they also recovered records of approximately 50 checks written to Pirtle from Olson's name and bank account.
Relatives had attempted to contact Olson over the four years, but were told by Pirtle that Olson was out of town or not available. According to police, Olson's last confirmed sighting was in October 2018. Based on the condition of the body, authorities believe he died in late 2018.
An autopsy to determine the cause of death is pending.
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