True identity of Ohio con man 'Bobby Thompson' revealed as John Cody

CLEVELAND - The true identity of an Ohio con man known as Bobby Thompson is John Cody.

Monday morning, the U.S. Marshals, with the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, positively identified "Bobby Thompson" as cold case fugitive John Donald Cody. Cody is also wanted for questioning by the FBI in connection to an ongoing espionage investigation.

Police say he's also the man behind a fake charity that stole millions of dollars that should have gone to U.S. Navy veterans. The 9 News I-Team has spent two years digging into the scam. His right-hand woman, Blanca Contreras, is already serving five years in prison.  

Cody, 65, has been wanted by the Internal Revenue Service and U.S. Marshals since 1987 on fraud charges.

U.S. Marshal Pete Elliot was largely responsible for making the connection between Cody and the man known as Bobby Thompson. He conducted many Google searches for cold case fugitives with ties to the military, and found a picture of Cody. After receiving a copy of Cody's fingerprints from the FBI, he was able to confirm a match.

Other characteristics, like Cody's pompadour hairstyle and knowledge of the legal system helped police link the two identities. John Cody has a law degree from Harvard and served in the United States Army as a Captain in Military intelligence.

"Thompson," which was just one of many aliases, was on the run for several years. He was also known to alter his appearance often.

"Thompson" was arrested by U.S. Marshals in Portland Ore., and brought back to Ohio to face charges. After his arrest, authorities also seized nearly $1 million that "Thompson" had locked in a storage locker. He is currently in the Cuyahoga County Jail awaiting trial.

The U.S. Marshals said Cody was a man "who never thought he would get caught, or be identified. We did both."

Anyone with additional information regarding Cody, or other fugitives, is encouraged to contract the U.S. Marshal's Service at: 1-866-4-WANTED, or text keyword "WANTED" with the tip to "tip411'. Tipsters may remain anonymous and a cash reward may be available.