Dad's Double Life | Full Episode

Patrick Welsh's initial embezzlement from Ohio State University and subsequent overwhelming debt and humiliation led him to fake his suicide. He called his wife from his office, claiming he couldn't make dinner, then vanished, leaving a suicide note detailing his intent to go to San Francisco to die.

Pat had stolen $23,000 from Ohio State University, was convicted of embezzlement in 1980, and was distraught over financial problems. He called his wife from his office on January 21, 1983, saying he wouldn't make dinner, and later sent a letter stating, 'The only way to give you that is through my death.'

After faking his death, Welsh arrived in Galveston, Texas, penniless and reinvented himself as Tim Kingsbury. He slowly integrated into society, becoming a publicist for the Galveston Historical Foundation, then its president, and later general manager of a local radio station, earning respect as a civic leader.

In 1983, Patrick Welsh left his name and past behind, arriving in Galveston, Texas. He became known as Tim Kingsbury, working for Shlosky's restaurant, then as a publicist for the Galveston Historical Foundation, eventually becoming its president. He later worked as general manager and reporter for a local radio station.

The deception was exposed 15 years later when Elizabeth Welsh received a letter from Social Security demanding repayment of survivor benefits because the 'number holder' (Pat Welsh) was alive. This led to an FBI investigation, revealing Tim Kingsbury was using Pat Welsh's Social Security number.

Elizabeth received a letter from Social Security stating that her sons' survivor benefits had to be paid back because the 'number holder was alive.' This triggered an investigation, revealing that Tim Kingsbury, who fit Pat Welsh's description, was using his social security number.

Kingsbury's Galveston friends initially defended him, separating 'Tim Kingsbury' (the good man they knew) from 'Patrick Welsh' (the criminal past). However, public opinion shifted when details of his abandonment of family and the District Attorney's failure to disclose this information during his forgery plea became known.

Galveston friends stated, 'I only know Tim Kingsbury. Don't know Patrick Welsh,' and 'He didn't hurt us. How did he hurt us? All he ever did here was good.' Later, A.R. Schwartz criticized the District Attorney for not publicly announcing Welsh's true identity and past, leading to a shift in public support.

Elizabeth Welsh and her sons confronted Pat in court, expressing profound betrayal and the stolen years of fatherhood. Welsh offered a limited apology, claiming he faked his death to free his family from his 'shadow.' He was sentenced to 4 years in prison and ordered to pay over $92,000 in restitution for insurance fraud and non-support.

Elizabeth Welsh addressed Pat in court, stating, 'Every Father's Day for the past 15 years was stolen from the lives of your sons.' Chris Welsh asked, 'How for 15 years can you never call your sons and say hello?' Pat Welsh apologized, saying, 'I did this thing to make life better for my boys.' The judge sentenced him to 4 years in prison and over $92,000 in fines.