Peter R. wrote:

The FAA's website lists this pilot as a non-instrument rated, newly
certificated private pilot.


Actually, the "date of issue" listed on the FAA website doesn't
necessarily reflect the time when someone is first issued a grade of
certificate for the ratings listed. Anytime FAA re-issues the same
certificate for any reason (name change, certificate number change to
remove SSI, etc) the DOI will change on the airman record.

I know this from my personal experience (twice).

This is in no way a defense of Mr. DUCATTE's VFR into IMC stunt,
however.