Originally published April 20, 2005 at 12:00 AM | Page modified April 20, 2005 at 11:46 AM

Man passes self off as UO professor

A Eugene man passed himself off as a psychology professor, fooling dozens of students at the University of Oregon, according to police in Eugene.

The Associated Press

EUGENE, Ore. — A Eugene man passed himself off as a psychology professor, fooling dozens of students at the University of Oregon, according to police in Eugene.

Checklin Vaifale, 35, also known as Jonathan Vaifalc-Valdez, maintained the impersonation for more than a year and a half, police said.

Before pretending to be a professor, he had claimed to be a student and danced with the Hawaiian Club for several years, they said.

Vaifale posed as a professor to gain the trust of students and to develop relationships with male and female students, investigators said.

The relationships were believed to be mostly nonsexual, police said.

He dressed professionally, carried a briefcase and frequented Straub Hall, where the psychology department is located.

Finally, a student who suspected that Vaifale was not what he appeared to be filed a complaint. Vaifale was arrested on suspicion of criminal impersonation.

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