Rochester man facing DWI charges allegedly stole ID from homeless man

ALBION – A Rochester man who was charged with driving while intoxicated in October in Murray allegedly stole the ID from a man in a homeless shelter in Rochester.

Jeffrey Houghtaling, 49, was arraigned in Orleans County Court on numerous charges today. In addition to DWI, he was arraigned for driving with Blood Alcohol Content above 0.8 percent, aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the first degree, forgery in the second degree, offering a false instrument in the first degree and criminal impersonation in the second degree.

Houghtaling was in a homeless shelter in Monroe County when he allegedly stole the identification from a person there.

Houghtaling then allegedly drove to North Carolina with the other person’s documents, District Attorney Joe Cardone told Judge James Punch in court today during Houghtaling’s arraignment.

Houghtaling has at least four prior felony DWIs, two prior misdemeanor DWIs, and possibly other charges, Cardone said.

Houghtaling was arrested in Murray on Oct. 25 when he was driving with another person’s ID.

Houghtaling currently is in the county jail. Judge Punch set bail at $100,000. The judge noted Houghtaling has four prior instances of failing to appear for court dates.

“That’s quite a series of problems,” Punch said after reviewing Houghtaling’s criminal history.