Man accused of impersonating Homeland Security officer in traffic stop and courtroom incident
WILKES-BARRE, PA – A Bloomsburg man is facing criminal charges after allegedly posing as a federal law enforcement officer during a Fourth of July traffic stop and again weeks later inside a Luzerne County courtroom.
On July 4, officers conducted a traffic stop on a silver 2011 Ford Taurus marked with “Police Interceptor” labeling and outfitted with emergency lighting while it was crossing the Market Street Bridge. The driver, identified as 45-year-old Shawn Smith, reportedly told officers he was a private security contractor working in connection with the Department of Homeland Security.
During the stop, officers determined that Smith had no affiliation with any law enforcement agency and no authority to present himself as a federal agent. He was cited at the time for the misrepresentation.
Nearly two months later, on August 28, officers were alerted that Smith had entered Magisterial District Court 11-1-01 on Hazle Street and again identified himself as a Homeland Security representative. He was reportedly wearing a badge while requesting a continuance in a legal matter. Investigators confirmed that Smith held no official position with any federal agency.
Smith is now charged with impersonating a public servant in connection with both incidents. No additional charges or federal involvement have been announced.
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Key Points
- A Bloomsburg man allegedly posed as a Homeland Security agent during a traffic stop and a court appearance
- The suspect, Shawn Smith, was driving a vehicle marked “Police Interceptor” and equipped with emergency lights
- Smith was charged with impersonating a public servant after misrepresenting himself in two separate incidents
