The DNA sample that was ultimately obtained from Bourdin confirmed what the fingerprint match had already established: this was not Nicholas Barclay.

In September 1998, Bourdin pleaded guilty to the charges.

The plea agreement — and the willingness of the prosecution to accept it — reflected a practical judgment that a trial was not necessary given the clarity of the evidence and the likelihood of conviction.

He was sentenced to six years in federal prison.

This was the longest sentence he had received for his pattern of impersonations, reflecting both the audacity and duration of the Barclay deception and the seriousness of the federal offenses involved.

He served his sentence and was deported back to France.