An East Patchogue man formerly employed by the City of New York was arrested and arraigned for allegedly misrepresenting himself as an employee of the New York City Health and Hospital Special Police on four separate occasions.
Peterson Jules allegedly displayed a cellphone image of an old identification and badge in an effort to avoid traffic citations.
According to the charges, Jules falsely represented himself as an active-duty law enforcement officer during four separate traffic stops conducted by Suffolk County Police in Patchogue and Medford between February 17 and June 4. During each stop, Jules allegedly identified himself as “a member of service,” a phrase commonly used by law enforcement personnel, and displayed an image on his cellphone depicting a New York City Hospital Police identification card, along with a New York City shield and shield number.
The investigation revealed that Jules had been employed as a Special Officer with New York City Health and Hospitals until his termination in April 2022.
On August 5, Jules, 40, was arraigned before District Court Judge Susan A. Berland on four counts of Criminal Impersonation in the Second Degree, Class A misdemeanors.
“The allegations against this defendant represent a deliberate pattern of violating traffic laws and evading accountability through criminal impersonation of a hospital police officer,” said Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney. “I want to thank the Suffolk County Police Department for conducting a thorough and professional investigation, and for assisting my office in bringing this individual to justice.”
Berland ordered Jules released without bail. The charges are non-bail-eligible under current New York State law. Jules is due back in court on August 18.