(09/04/06) LIVINGSTON ? Police have arrested a man in Texas that may have played a role in the death of a Livingston man.

David Scoscia, 50, was apprehended Friday near the Mexican border. Neighbors say Scoscia was once roommates with 40-year-old Michael Balestro, whose body was found wrapped inside a carpet in the home the two once shared. Scoscia is currently only charged with identity theft and forgery. Police say he used Balestro?s identity in an attempt to sell the house and also used the victim?s ATM card.

According to police, the charges against Scoscia could be expanded. Shocked neighbors say Scoscia is a nice man who was a real friend to the murder victim. However, one neighbor claims Scoscia told her she had the wrong number when she tried to call Balestro on his birthday in July. That neighbor now wonders if Balestro was already dead when she placed the call.