While Mitch Albom's non-punishment by the Detroit Free Press is inflaming debate out here, on the left coast the intrepid reporters at the Contra Costa Times smoked out their very own fraud: compulsive letter-writer Kyle Vallone, who concocted a variety of identities under which to submit letters to the editor of various Bay-area newspapers. A model of discretion, he'd also send an angry email whenever a letter wasn't published. Eventually, reporter Sarah Krupp connected the dots and exposed him as someone with a great deal of time on his hands.

According to Krupp, Vallone "is most proud of coming up with the name Batswala Dala." Sure, pretty cute--when high school students do it.

How the 'Contra Costa Times' Uncovered a Letters-to-the-Editor Scam [E&P via Romenesko]
Letter writer fools Bay papers with various noms de plume [Contra Costa Times]
RELATED, and still hilarious: To The Editor [The New Yorker]