According to a recent viral report, a man named Ronnie Putnam, 58, was allegedly arrested in Summersville for impersonating musician Sammy Hagar in an attempt to cash fraudulent royalty checks. This story originated from the Mount Vernon II News & Rumors Facebook page, which suggested Putnam had entered local businesses including banks and a vape shop while claiming to be Hagar. Witnesses stated he even performed a rendition of Hagar’s song “I Can’t Drive 55” as proof of his identity. Following his arrest, Putnam presented a homemade ID card stating “Sammy Hagar, Rock God” and is facing charges related to fraud and disorderly conduct. The person reported to have made the claims is not in custody according to the Mount Vernon police, who subsequently clarified the situation, as some media outlets had mistakenly reported the arrest as factual.
Sammy Hagar himself addressed the news in a post on his X account, expressing disbelief that anyone could confuse the alleged impersonator with him and noted the impact of AI in today’s information landscape.
Recently, Hagar released a double-vinyl live album titled The Residency that records his performances in Las Vegas, celebrating his history as lead singer of Van Halen.
- Why it matters:
- The incident highlights the challenges of misinformation in the digital age, prompting readers and businesses to verify sources before sharing news.
- For professionals, this serves as a reminder about the potential consequences of identity theft and fraud.
- The latest:
- Sammy Hagar has launched a new double-vinyl live album, adding to his ongoing artistic endeavors.
Source: https://ultimateclassicrock.com/sammy-hagar-impersonator-hoax/
Source: https://ultimateclassicrock.com/sammy-hagar-impersonator-hoax/