Two boy-band impostors are facing the music – and could end up as the new kids on the cellblock.
Two Massachusetts men have been indicted on charges of stealing and using credit cards and driver’s licenses in the names of members of the Backstreet Boys and New Kids on the Block, according to a newly unsealed federal indictment.
Patrick Ward, 23, and Michael Viskovic, 20, used fake Social Security numbers to get driver’s licenses and credit cards in the names of Backstreet Boy Kevin Richardson and New Kids on the Block members Daniel Wood and Jonathan Knight, says the indictment.
Officials said the pop-star impostors, both from the Springfield suburbs, spent more than $1,000 each with the credit cards in November when they visited Las Vegas.
“The indictment doesn’t say anything about the Backstreet Boys or New Kids, but it’s their names they used,” said Natalie Collins, a spokeswoman for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Las Vegas.
Ward got a driver’s license and Fleet Bank credit card in the name of Knight, 34, according to the indictment.
Authorities said Viskovic obtained a driver’s license in the name of Wood, 32, as well as a credit card and driver’s license in the name of Richardson, who is set to make his Broadway debut Jan. 20 when he takes over the male lead in the musical “Chicago.”
Ward was busted Thursday by postal inspectors and cops in his hometown of Athol.
Cops are still looking for Viskovic.
The suspects are both charged with identity theft of driver’s licenses, access-device fraud with credit cards, and Social Security fraud.
The New Kids on the Block were the original boy band of the 1990s, paving the way for future groups like the Backstreet Boys and *NSYNC.
The Boston-based band wowed millions of adolescent girls with their good looks and their string of hits including “Step by Step” and “Hanging Tough.”
But the quintet broke up amicably in 1994.
Knight and Wood have rarely been heard from since.
The hunky Backstreet Boys have been on top of the world since their debut album hit the U.S. in 1996. The Orlando-based group plans to begin work on a new album in March – after Richardson finishes his run on Broadway.
Backstreet Boys spokeswoman Marcee Rondan did not return a call for comment.