Could Face Two to Four Years in Prison for Impersonating a Police Officer
A Brentwood man who impersonated a police officer to receive a discount while shopping at a store in Bay Shore pleaded guilty to possessing multiple fraudulent NYPD identification cards.
Between April 1 and May 31, Eric Diaz, 43, identified himself as a police officer and displayed what appeared to be a police badge, handcuffs, and handgun while attempting to obtain a “police discount” at a retail store in Bay Shore. When Diaz was later stopped by police, he was found to be in possession of a holstered electronic stun gun and multiple fraudulent law enforcement identification cards, including a fake NYPD Sergeant identification card. After searching Diaz’ vehicle and home, police recovered numerous fraudulent items of police attire,
imitation pistols, a gun belt, a bulletproof vest, and handcuffs.
Diaz was arrested on August 15 by Detective Charles Gambino of the Suffolk County Police Department’s District Attorney’s Squad. Following his arraignment on the arrest, Diaz was ordered to be held on $100,000 cash, $200,000 bond, or $1,000,000 partially secured bond during the pendency of the case. On October 11, Diaz pleaded guilty before Supreme Court Judge Richard Ambro, to criminal possession of a forged instrument in the second degree, a Class D felony. Diaz is due back in court on November 13.
“This defendant wrongfully impersonated a police officer,” said Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney. “My office supports the men and women in law enforcement, and we are committed to holding accountable those who would attempt to wrongfully benefit from the public service of our sworn law enforcement members.”