Man Charged with Faking Death to Desert Coast Guard

A West Virginia man has been charged with faking his death to desert from the U.S. Coast Guard.

U.S. Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld II says 33-year-old Larry C. Shelby of Martinsburg abandoned his vehicle and wrote suicide notes in 2013. Shelby then concealed his identity and isolated himself in a remote cabin.

Ihlenfeld said Wednesday that Shelby’s wife, 33-year-old Karen Shelby, and 32-year-old Jeffery John York of Martinsburg conspired with the non-commissioned officer in the desertion plot. Karen Shelby and York are accused of telling authorities that Larry Selby was missing.

A federal grand jury indicted all three on hoax and conspiracy charges. Karen Selby and York also are each charged with making a false statement.

Ihlenfeld says the Coast Guard spent more than $100,000 searching for Larry Selby.