“Kevin” vs. Kevin

Aaron Ochs is the author of “Defamers: How Fake News Terrorized a Community & Those Who Dared to Fight It,” a nonfiction uncovering the defamatory, deceptive and criminal practices of online tabloid CalCoastNews.

In August 2018, I noticed something peculiar. One of my friends brought to my attention strange comments allegedly posted by so-called local “activist” Kevin P. Rice. “Rice” wrote he was thankful every day his unspecified conviction went through a way before Megan’s Law passed. Megan’s Law is a United States law requiring law enforcement authorities to make information available to the public about registered sex offenders. The law was named after a seven-year-old who was raped and murdered by a sex offender. I was skeptical. No one would readily brag about being convicted for a sex offense. Given comments this “Rice” character made, I asked the question on my Facebook page, “Did he just admit to sexually assaulting a minor and sympathize with a rapist on SLO Tribune’s Facebook page?”

When I realized the account had no profile information filled out — except for a profile photo of his face — and saw the real Rice issue a denial, I answered, “No.” Rice had no conviction in his record. He was being impersonated.

Turned out I was right. On Sep. 3 this year, San Luis Obispo County District Attorney Dan Dow announced that felony charges would be filed…