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'Rockefeller' In-Law: Con Man Wed and Fled

Alleged kidnapper got green card, ditched Wisc. bride in 1981

By Dustin Lushing,  Newser Staff

Posted Aug 11, 2008 11:24 AM CDT

(Newser) – Alleged kidnapper and con artist Clark Rockefeller tricked a Wisconsin woman into marrying him in 1981 and then bolted with his new green card, the bride's sister told the Boston Herald. “He tells stories and takes advantage of people,” she said. “He screws with people’s heads.”

In 1981, Amy Jersild married Christian Gerhartsreiter, who would later use the name Clark Rockefeller, in a civil ceremony in Wisconsin. Rockefeller claims he has no memory of tying the knot with Jersild, and his lawyer has said he has only sketchy memories of events before 1993. He is currently in a Boston jail as law enforcement authorities on two continents try to unravel the mystery of his identity.

Clark Rockefeller appears in municipal court, Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2008 in Boston. Rockefeller was extradited from Baltimore to Boston to face kidnapping charges.
Clark Rockefeller appears in municipal court, Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2008 in Boston. Rockefeller was extradited from Baltimore to Boston to face kidnapping charges.   (AP Photo/ Essdras Suarez, Pool)
This photo released by the Baltimore Police Department shows Clark Rockefeller on Monday Aug. 4, 2008 in Baltimore, Md. Rockefeller, 48, is accused of abducting his 7-year-old daughter
This photo released by the Baltimore Police Department shows Clark Rockefeller on Monday Aug. 4, 2008 in Baltimore, Md. Rockefeller, 48, is accused of abducting his 7-year-old daughter   (AP Photo/ Baltimore Police Department via The Baltimore Sun)
Clark Rockefeller is seen during his arraignment at a  Boston municipal court, Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2008 in Boston. Rockefeller was extradited from Baltimore to Boston to face kidnapping charges.
Clark Rockefeller is seen during his arraignment at a Boston municipal court, Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2008 in Boston. Rockefeller was extradited from Baltimore to Boston to face kidnapping charges.   (AP Photo/ Essdras Suarez, Pool)
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