That's what they all say when they are caught. 
You sold your account or used alts, it's either of the two. Choice is yours.
I would give OP a benefit of doubt because I was also a victim of these account thefts and hacks.You sold your account or used alts, it's either of the two. Choice is yours.
But the problem is he never reported about the account hack as soon as possible, and then probably the person who was in control of the account afterward stalked an address in 2017.