Chameleon An Admission of Lies: The Man Who Fooled Princeton
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Nov 20, 2025 Louisa Burdett and Rebecca Lavoie dive deep into the fascinating tale of James Hogue, a clever impersonator who charmed his way into Princeton as Alexi Santana. They recount how Hogue's mysterious persona captured the elite’s attention and discuss his dual life, from track star to con artist. Highlights include a shocking recognition at a meet, his eventual arrest, and his bizarre motive for reinventing himself. The conversation reveals the allure of Hogue's story, marked by creativity and unresolved intrigue.
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The Princeton Persona
- James Hogue entered Princeton as “Alexi Indris Santana,” claiming a gaucho-like, self-taught past and impressive running results.
- He charmed peers, joined Ivy Club, and became a top distance runner before being exposed as a 31-year-old impostor.
Stealing From Harvard
- After Princeton exposed him, police found Hogue had stolen hundreds of gems and museum items from Harvard to pay restitution.
- He pled guilty to larceny, received a multi-year sentence, and still continued a life of thefts afterward.
Running And Self-Deception
- Running demands self-deception; distance runners often must lie to themselves to push further.
- That psychological habit may have helped Hogue sustain prolonged personas and risky deceptions.
