Can I see your ID? Because I'm a little suspicious. You don't have red and blue flashing lights. I didn't hear any sirens. >> Come outside the house. >> Come outside the house. >> At this time, I am conducting a felony investigation for impersonating a law enforcement officer. >> You're you're a deputy sheriff? >> Well, I mean, I've worked at the sheriff's office. >> Okay. >> I mean, were you a corrections officer for the sheriff's office? >> Okay. Why do you wear a vest outside of the facility? You realize wearing the sheriff on your chest is basically impersonating law enforcement. >> Officers deal with criminals every day, but it gets far more dangerous when someone pretends to be one of their own. So, what happens when that supposed colleague is exposed as an impostor? >> Uh-huh. >> Our criminal impersonation in the second degree, which is a misdemeanor, >> Uhhuh. >> and unlawful possession of a firearm in the second [music] degree, which is felony. >> I don't use illegal drugs. I don't confiscate [ __ ] I I don't know. It's absolutely not. And I got Tourette's syndrome. So, >> I already thought you were high. >> Here are times when fake cops realize that they just pulled over a detective. Starting off with a curious case of a fake cop called Michael Scalleta Tit who thought he could fool the real officers into believing his story, but it wasn't to be. >> This is my first day back in a while. So, I was out with co and um it was bad. Is it a loaded firearm that you have with you, Mr. Scalleta? >> Correct. Okay. Can you put your hands on the car, please? >> Mr. Scalleta, you were convicted of It looks like Oh, >> on September the 4th, 2025 near Seattle, Washington, officers encountered Michael Scalleta Tit, who arrived in body armor with a SWAT patch, a metal badge, and an unmarked car with blue lights. The officers met Michael at an active crime scene, but soon sent something off. >> Were you on the phone with him? They asked us to come outside. I thought it was for you. >> Who asked us to come outside? >> I don't know. He's on the phone with him. >> No, I I thought I was pulling because I thought you guys needed help with that. >> Oh, no. No, we thought No, I don't I'm confused right now, man. It's been my This is my first day back in a while. So, I was out with CO and uh it was bad. >> Okay. >> It's been a while since I've been back here. Oh, yeah. I had Yeah, it was 11th time having it and it was the worst. I I had to go to the hospital, get breathing treatment. >> Yeah, >> it was bad. It hurt to talk. >> Okay. >> It was I'm good now. Promise. >> Um, >> just getting back here this afternoon. As soon as I'm talking with the shift change and debriefing with him, >> they're like the speed b like they made it out way worse. >> Oh, >> what it was. And I was like, >> what's going on? >> No, you popped out. I was like I was like, damn. I thought you were like one of our detectives. >> I I know some of the guys um work with the task force. Um but it's really with the sheriff What' you say? >> Uh yeah, try that way then. >> Well, yeah. Use your best judgment. >> Yeah. Your own. Okay. >> Yeah. Uh I deal with more of the uh probation than anything. um with uh [clears throat] over there at um the kids sheriff's department, the detectives over there. I know more of those guys than anything out here. >> Okay. >> All right. Yeah. >> Um >> right on, man. >> How long you been? How long you been? >> Uh well, so I retired from Baltimore City after 27 years. Um came out here Um, it took about a year for me to end up going back into agency. I went with Thirsten at first, person sheriff's department. Um, it was a lot a lot of things going on and they wanted to put me in the jail. I was like, "No, I got that." So, uh, I've been I know a lot of detectives from Edn, >> uh, from the gang network and stuff like that. Uh, the anti training on base every year. >> Um, >> yeah, >> guys, they're like, "Hey, man, let's uh see if get you going." I had to go back to uh get the [music] Washington Post and RCWS. Uh, How long you been detective with evidence? >> About two years. >> Two years. >> Yeah. >> Dang. >> Yeah. Um >> yeah, two years uh with the robbery. It was I started with robbery and now with the game intelligence. >> Dang. Pretty hardcore. >> Right on, man. Hey, I just want I just got to stop by. >> My name Stalto, by the way. I I >> Stiletto. >> Stiletto. message. >> Yeah, >> you gonna be back here tonight. >> I mean, I'm working a card or something. >> Oh, okay. I'm I'm I'm working all night. So, >> yeah. >> You'll see me. I'll be out here all night. >> All right, man. >> Fresh air, man. And I'll grab a card for you and give it to you, man. >> Cool. >> All right. And what's your name again? >> Austin Tr. >> Sorry. >> Trust. >> All right. Tr. Hey, you just called me for school letter. >> All right, man. >> All right, man. Thank you, man. I'll see you later. Michael claimed to be an offduty detective with 27 years in the Baltimore police and with multiple agencies. Though he spoke like an insider, officers quickly grew suspicious and began verifying his identity. Is there security for you? >> Yeah, moment. I'll be back shortly. >> Are you good? >> I'm good. >> Good. >> Yeah. >> You want to come back over here? >> Yeah. I was just talking to some other guys. So, you work for Edmonds previously? >> Okay. >> Yeah. And this is a part-time gig. >> Got you. Do you have your [music] commission card with you? >> Yeah. Give me a minute. >> Here. No. It's got on the side. Yeah, it's got everything right in there. >> No, didn't find it. >> Sorry. >> No, he's he's going to it's in my other bag. >> Oh, okay. >> It's uh he's grabbing it now. >> Okay. How long have you been working for the Salvation Army? >> Sorry. >> How long have you been working up for the Salvation Army? >> Uh uh I'm I'm here almost every other week. >> Every other week. >> Yeah. Uh and then I also work down at the uh KRM. >> Okay. And what's your full name? >> Uh, Mezzi. Scalleta. >> Nez Y. >> S A L E [music] T. >> Your first name is Mezie. >> M E Z Y. Correct. >> And spell letter. >> S A L E T A. >> Okay. What's your middle initial? >> Anthony. And uh H1076. >> Soon as he uh gets back up. >> What's a good phone number for you? Hey man. >> Yeah, the it's going to be the green bag. It and it's got the uh my wallet with the credentials and everything inside and the no uh in the upstairs. Upstairs. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. My bad. My apologies. Thank you. >> Wait, can you search? Can you stay over here? >> All right, I'll see you, man. >> Is it a loaded firearm that you have with you, Mr. Scaletta? >> Correct. >> Okay. Can you put your hands in the car, please? Not familiar with the retention of the holsters? Keep your hands right there. Can we not do this in front of every I mean really >> you're doing just fine keeping hands? >> No, sir. >> So So you're not under arrest right now? Yes, sir. >> Oh, >> can you call my >> Yeah, we can take care of all that. We can take care of all that. We can make all the phone calls. >> And so, >> what agents did you say you were with? >> Okay. Okay. >> You understand being the camera? >> I I I understand the whole process. Yes, I do. Okay. >> Officers noticed inconsistencies in Michael's uniform and behavior raising suspicions of police impersonation. >> So, first off, if you are a commissioned police officer in this state, >> Mhm. >> you'll be taken out of cuffs and I will formally apologize. Okay. >> No problem. >> All right. Here's a couple problems though. I'm the one of the supervisors in the city right now. If Salvation Army is hiring uniform commission law enforcement, who's going to be carrying badge, go vest? Especially not in our agency. >> As far as I'm concerned, let me let me just let me finish. Let me finish. >> First of all, I did not have a weapon on while I was on duty and I I was leaving. I'm off duty. I was leaving. >> Okay. >> Okay. So, that number let him explain. Let him explain. Go ahead. >> So, if you're us, especially if you're a law enforcement, you understand we see a guy with detective badge, police badge. I think there's a SWAT badge somewhere. >> Yeah. on there as well, right? In our jurisdiction and we haven't been notified that, hey, uh, Salvation Army's got armed law enforcement and you, that's not true. You might have just been going from your employment to your car. However, when we came ac across you, right, you're uniformed and armed when we came across. That's an accurate statement. >> So, the concern is the concern is especially because we weren't given notification, right? >> I'm not operating. I'm not doing I'm not working. I'm not >> Well, here's here's the problem. Well, it's messy, right? >> Correct. It's a problem that you're leaving. Even if you're leaving, >> Salvation Army, this is the number one crime hot spot in the entire city for us. >> I know this. Let me >> I'm a retired Baltimore City. Okay. >> 27 years. I come out here. I get it. Let me talk. I'm sorry. >> Well, well, I don't I I think we're not we're getting our wires crossed a little bit cuz what I'm trying to get you to understand is I understand that you're just leaving if if you're off duty. >> But if you know that this is the highest crime area, right? If you know this is the highest crime area in the city and you know that that's likely to you your law enforcement experience and we're going to be in the area probably not the best idea to be wearing a vest armed going to and from >> cuz it's going to make us think some things up to up to and including possible criminal and first nation of a police officer. >> That's why you're detained. We get all that checked out and you know what? This might be an error for their bosses and our bosses because if this is all true, >> right? And we weren't and and we just weren't notified. That that's what could have solved this is an email saying, "Hey, just so you know, there's a guy. He's law enforcement. He's being hired off duty of Salvation Army. You may see him come and go from the parking lot." That's what we'd say. Sounds good. We've heard nothing. >> Okay. >> Have you heard anything about this? No. Have you heard anything about this? >> We might have called Edmonds last night. >> Sharon, what? >> We might have called Edmonds PD last night. >> Yeah. Not on a payroll. Say it again. You're not on the >> We called it. >> Is it okay if I if I go through this? >> Yes, please. And then I can >> That's not my bag. That's That's No, it's the uh one with the uh Gatorade, the electrolytes. >> A check with Edmunds PD confirmed Michael had no official ties. Officers began digging into his past and soon uncovered shocking secrets. >> Uh almost 18 months now. >> 18 months. >> Yeah. Uh so I was at Thirsten uh prior. >> Mhm. >> Thirstston County. >> How long were you at thirst for? >> Uh about a year. Uh so when I came I retired from Baltimore City, Maryland. Uh four years ago. I came out here. Um I worked at the detention center for a little while. Um there was they they put me in the detention center. I I didn't like it. Um uh I was able to uh secure a spot over at ED means after getting some other cert certifications. Uh and it's a 18month uh contract. Uh, so with the investigations, >> so you you're you're only contracted to work 18 months. >> It's good. Yeah, that's what it is. Yes. So, um, >> you said you've been at Edmonds for 18 months, but then you said you're only I got another 18 months left. >> Okay. >> Okay. So, I uh did the whole the two-year. >> Mhm. >> Um, that signed on for the two years. Um, >> I got 18 months left. >> So, you said >> this, man. We'll get it all figured out. Just this. >> So, what >> I kind of feel like this was a little bit overboard. Um, I'm respectful. I get it. You're doing your job. >> You're you're said you were you retired Baltimore Police officer. >> I was. Yes. >> Okay. So, you and I both operate on the reasonable stand. We know. I knew it. >> I came down looking. >> I pulled up. >> I don't know um if they put this in report. So in 2015, he was involved in like a SWAT incident where he barricaded himself inside and had like a whole like threat of like blow the place up. So it was like a bomb threat. SWAT was involved. He came out. He was detained and arrested in District of Columbia. That was from Lynx back in 2015. He's saying that he retired from Baltimore City Police after doing like 24 years or something four years ago, which he's a convicted felon. He wouldn't be retiring four years ago. And then he's saying he um got a job out here county was only there for a short time and then he initially said he was working for Edmonds PD for 18 months and then he said he has 18 months left on a 2-year contract with Edmonds. >> Did he get his firearm rights restored? >> That's a skeptical. I just ran his >> Well, so last night, here's my question. I get the blinky lights and Gary Hershey being Gary Hershey prosecutor. If if we run him, find out he's a convicted felon, he's got a Glock or whatever it is on his side. What's our >> He did not have a weapon on him. >> No, they said last night in case you put in his report that he had the holster removed from his belt, had everything. >> So, he had everything as he is right now. >> Okay. >> He like the holster was like off somewhere else. >> Yeah. >> And he had like the the strap with like the QLS like ability to holster one, but he didn't have the weapon on him. >> No. >> Yeah. He's going to do 100% the right call across the board. Did you see my face? >> Once I dawned on me, what was going on? >> Yeah. I Well, I pulled up to ask some questions about him working. It didn't seem to be parked over here. He came in the corner of the building and I looked down, >> his eyes are so super constricted and he's [music] held so I don't know if he's on something. Despite his claims of experience and law enforcement connections, officers weren't convinced and the case grew more serious as they gathered proof of Michael's impersonation. >> Tell me, tell me what happened in 2015 with Baltimore PD, >> right? Or uh >> I think you know exactly what I'm talking about. >> The unit Yeah. Uh that's I I worked in the uh East prison. >> Mhm. They were all knew what they were doing. We We knew what was going on. Um just a matter of time and we already had we we knew the feds were there. >> Mhm. >> Um but you you keep your nose clean. You didn't have to worry about um >> Well, I'm talking about the offense where you were arrested in Baltimore City. >> Me? >> Yeah. In 2015. >> I was arrested. I wasn't arrested. Never been arrested. Never been arrested. Never once. >> Never. >> Never been arrested. >> So when I search you in our police database and your name and date of birth come back with an incident in 2015 with the District of Columbia, which is obviously Washington DC, >> that's DC. >> Mhm. >> You said no. [snorts] Take me on a right now. Never. I know. Okay. Okay. >> Say it again. >> No. No. It's the plastic bag. >> No, it's the black bag. >> Uh, could we check by you? >> Absolutely. If you want to if you want to search, >> you guys could do it. >> Go ahead. You're He's giving us consent to search. >> Look for the bag. >> All right. Where's your key? >> It's a black plastic bag. It's got some Gatorade in it and it's got my wallet. >> I just want to confirm you're giving us the consent to search the vehicle. >> I just want to hear from you. Yes or no? Are you giving us consent to search the vehicle? >> Y'all are going to tear my vehicle apart? >> We're going to search the vehicle. >> No, >> we're going to We're going to We're not going to like >> No, we're done. We're all right. This This red we're done. >> No. >> No. Okay. >> You're not going to tear my vehicle up, Bob. >> No. >> Okay. >> Apply for a search warrant. Do what you got to do. >> With Michael detained, officers got down to investigating the extent of his offenses while he pretended to be unaware of what was going on. >> Let's remove the gear. >> Sounds good. >> Solve that problem. >> Okay. How does this come off? Is it just like the two two buttons and a zipper? >> Yeah. Yeah. >> And then uh you should be able to unvelcro it on the side and just take it all off. >> I'm not trying to be, you know, respectful. It is what it is. Um, but I'm interested with why you're saying that I was arrested in Washington DC in Baltimore. >> Well, cuz cuz we we we ran your data earlier, right? Whenever whenever you came up and you contacted uh one of our officers and one of our sergeants earlier tonight. >> Earlier tonight? >> Yeah. I I didn't contact him. >> Yes, you did. >> Oh, with the fire across the street. >> Yeah, >> that was okay. >> So So when when when someone who is out of jurisdiction, like what what my sergeant was explaining, right? When someone out of jurisdiction comes up, you're saying, "Hey, you're an evidence detective. You're wearing the badge, SWAT, police decals, all this stuff." And you come up, right? And then you're most in my experience most cops won't really approach an active scene while they're off duty, especially out of jurisdiction. So whenever you do that, we have you have lights on in the car. You come up, you say, "Hey, I'm Edmonds Police." And that you're working an offduty gig for Salvation Army. That raises a lot of flags, right? >> So hold on, hold on. So >> that I think it was taken out of context a little bit. Uh but I I was coming on. >> I mean somebody told us fire across the street. >> I was coming on. I wasn't armed. Uh >> no one no one said you were armed. Okay. >> But that's this is what raises a lot of a lot of suspicion. A lot of flags get thrown whenever that happens, right? Imagine imagine if you were working, >> right, as you normal in a spot and then I roll up and I'm like, "Hey, I'm off duty." as I'm wearing like my police badge. It's not really how that went, but um >> Okay. >> I I told him I was doing security over here. >> Okay. >> We're the ones that told him that there was a fire over here. >> Uh and and that was it. I like I I didn't want I didn't do anything else. >> Okay. >> He was there and that's all we needed. I >> But that's this is your area. So, you know, I mean, it's nothing I'm going to do out here or in forest or do anything. And that's not I've never done that ever. Okay. Well, it's it's all on camera. Multiple cameras. Okay. The entire the entire >> Yeah. Yeah. We got cameras, too. >> Okay. Oh, I know. We have body cameras, too. So, >> I've never uh >> So, the forced or uh did anything that >> But you see why that would raise a lot of flags, right? And then when you provided your name to them, obviously, we checked it. We call Edmonds, right? Edmond says you're not on their payroll. Never have been. They don't know you. And then we run a what's called a triple. You know what a triple I is? >> All right. So we run >> NCIC and they uh >> Well, it's a little more than just NCS. >> No, it's a database. Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Form the company towing your vehicle. Okay. >> Sorry. >> This is the tow form for your vehicle. going to our office and then the kids code yard after we're done. >> Are you all time for a warrant? >> You want to last sit before we done this? >> I I would. Thank you. >> Are you um >> are you still talking >> at this time? I'm going to invoke my rights and remain silent. >> Okay. All right. Fair enough. >> We all know better. >> Fair enough. all that wy law enforcement experience. >> As Michael sat handcuffed in the patrol car, officers couldn't help but notice his strange behavior. [snorts] >> Can there some air back here, please? >> I'll roll the windows down. >> Okay. Yeah. No, it's a little hot. Uh I guess his Bible is in there. >> Yeah. >> Are you okay with it? >> Yeah. Uh where's the Bible at? >> It's I think it's in the back seat. >> In the back seat. Yeah. You said your buddy can get his Bible out of your car, right? >> Yeah. Yeah. He >> I'm okay as long as >> um >> my medications are in there, too. Can you grab that or is that >> that they're prescription? They got my name on it. >> Um probably not, but you tell the jail nurse your prescriptions and they get them for you. They order them up, so it should be okay. Uh, Mr. Scalleta, you were convicted of it looks like a bomb. >> A what? >> A bomb in 2015. >> No. Michael Tits. >> Say what? >> 810 1976. Born in Maryland. >> Last. >> Yes. Born in Maryland. Oh, Baltimore City. I was adopted. >> Okay. This says in 2015, you're convicts of hoax by false. You were sentenced to four. >> No. >> Four months in prison. >> What? No. No. Bro. Uhuh. >> Did you get your firearms right? >> Sorry. I'm not doing that. My just adjusted and I'm kind of I laid back on my seat. >> Yeah. >> Sorry. >> You did not get your firearms rights restored then. >> Sorry. >> You have not Hey, listen. We're We're invoked my rights, man. Uh this is all your investigation. Okay. >> I'm not I'm not trying to be a dick. I'm not Don't Don't take it the wrong way. I just >> Okay. Your charges today are going to be criminal impersonation in the second degree and unlawful possession of >> I I can't I'm I'm hearing it, Paris. I'm I'm just trying to hear what you say. >> Your charges today >> Uhhuh. >> are criminal impersonation in the second degree, which is a misdemeanor. >> Uhhuh. >> And unlawful possession of a firearm in the second degree, which is felony. >> Oh, wow. Okay. >> Okay. >> All right. Um, and then do I uh how does the uh court proceed like how what what happens? >> You go to jail and then you'll get to speak to a judge either today or tomorrow. Okay. >> And then they'll determine your bail amount. >> Okay. All right. Wow. >> Scalleta began sharing personal medical information in an attempt to explain his situation, which explains the reason for his mannerisms. Are you doing all right, Mr. Spla? >> Yeah. Yeah. Just >> Okay. >> Trying to I'm not It's uncomfortable. >> Yeah, it's really not okay. Um, sorry. A lot of people that want to talk to us this morning. So, I I have medicine that I'm in on treatment for. Uh, don't get over excited when you hear this. So I had cancer >> uh in [music] 2014. >> Sorry about that. >> So I I was prescribed you know it was a aggressive treatment >> um >> when I was prescribed nar uh for pain relief. >> Yeah. >> Um to get I wasn't able to like when I didn't need it anymore. I wasn't able to just like stop. Felt like I was having a heart attack, you know, the withdrawals. Right. >> Yeah. >> Um so uh I'm under uh treatment. Um, and it's prescribed and everything. Uh, it's in the back in the front seat. >> What is the medic? >> Uh, it's the uh uh >> is it method? >> No, it's it's like the it goes under my tongue. It's uh the uh the >> Are you having an op trying to tell me? >> Sorry. >> Are you trying to tell me you're having an opiate withdrawal? >> No, no, no. I don't I don't No. So I have medicines in there. I just So that way you can just hand it off. It sit in the bag and sit right on the floorboard or the front seat. >> I cannot grab your medication, bring it to the jail either. You have to tell the jail nurse what medications you're on or who prescribes them or >> Okay. All right. And then they can check it. >> Yeah. >> All right. So I don't I'm just worried about like if I don't see a judge and I [music] I you know I'm not able >> Yeah. You can't bail out. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. I don't want to go through withdrawals uh or or you know like uh cuz you know that was like the scariest moment of my life you know. >> Yeah. >> Um >> yeah just make sure you tell the jail owners that you're going to withdraw. >> But I'm not like an addict or like somebody like that. Like I made the choice. I wanted to get off of it. I just my my body was dependent on it. >> Okay. What what was All right. What is the medication that you need? Uh it it's uh so it's um >> suboxin. >> Yes, that's it's subl and um also my uh uh >> my add ADHD missing, but that's not important. Uh I >> I'm not trying to >> like nothing's going on right now. I I I just >> just tell them that's all suboxin prescription and you think you're going to withdraw and they'll know what to do. Okay. >> Oh, okay. Do they treat people for that or uh I don't I I don't know how it goes, man. >> I don't know exactly what the jail can and can do, >> right? >> But they're still going to want to know if you're going to have a withdrawal. >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. So they can monitor you or Right. >> Yeah. Exactly. >> Um so what's the process now? Where are we? What are we doing? >> You're going to the Kapp County Jail. >> Okay. All right. >> Then came a revelation that changed everything. What began as a minor charge was suddenly upgraded to a felony, leaving Scalleta stunned as officers laid out his past actions that [music] crossed a dangerous line. >> And are these serious charges or >> two felonies? >> Two felonies. >> Uh what what are the two felonies for? So what what I mean I'm just asking if it's okay. I'm not trying to be >> uh >> whatever. >> Criminal impersonation in the first degree and unlawful possession of firearm the second. >> Uh criminal impersonation uh the first degree. >> Yes. Correct. >> That's a felony. >> Yes. >> I thought it was a misdemeanor. >> Criminal impersonation the second is a misdemeanor. >> So what how did it turn to first degree? Uh, it turns out you were taking significant law enforcement action >> where >> at the at the 7-Eleven. >> I I was taking action. >> Yes. >> There's actually two things that I know of so far. One is that you were kicking people off the property at 7-Eleven and taking trespass enforcement. to you're interviewing one of the local transients about a suspicious Salvation Army. >> What? >> Yep. >> And all right. Okay. Oh my goodness. A suspicious And if you don't mind, like where did that information come from? >> From all the people we just interviewed. >> Did you talk to a store clerk? >> We're going to. >> Yeah. Thank you. right now >> because I I I I told him I you need to call 9. He called local PD >> and they know who I Yeah. There's nothing I could do. Would you be able to talk to them before you charge me? >> Officer Pippen is talking to me. >> Okay. Thank you. All right. Awesome. And they got cameras in 7-Eleven, I believe. So, that's also evidence. >> Yeah, we'll try to get the video. >> Apparently, even his wife had no idea what Scalleta was really doing, adding another layer to the case, as he'd been telling his own family who was working in law enforcement. The interrogation took a darker turn when an officer presented a disturbing theory about Scalleta's true motives. >> Does that happen a lot? Like what what's the >> telling me you've been a cop for 30 years and you don't know how jail people? >> Uh well no it's different I hear because like no I'm asking what are >> you work for Edmonds right? >> Uh I'm asking about these county jail. >> So like what what are like do they release people or are they like really strict on bonds or jail? >> Sorry. >> What happens when we take people to King County Jail? Well, this isn't King County. I'm just asking how are the judges out here like what's it like? >> I worked for the Seattle Police Department for 7 years, but I've been in King County Jail, so I know exactly. I work in King County. >> I I don't understand. I'm just asking. I >> No, I understand. >> I I I don't know what the judges are like out here, so I'm just asking. >> Oh, okay. >> All right. When was the last time you used? >> I don't use. >> Why you say that? >> Because I think you're high. >> You think I'm high? >> I think you're high. >> Okay. That's your opinion, man. I'll take a dress for you. As a matter of fact, Mr. My theory is is that this whole pretend to be a cop thing down in Salvation Army is a opportunity for you to cease local transient people. That's what I think. I think that's how people drive. >> Yeah. I No. Not never. >> Really easy. >> I I've never made I've never enforced that. I I'm a superior. No. Never. I've never done anything like that. Dude, >> you were asking that guy last night over on the street if he had any drugs. >> Shaking him down. >> I've never No, absolutely not. >> That you're shaking down the flashlight and asking about drug use over on the street, not even in the Salvation Army property. >> That is a complete lie, but no. >> Okay. >> That is not not true. What's What's that guys? >> Absolutely not. >> Just cameras on property, bro. Like everywhere I go when I do my rounds. >> Absolutely not. >> I don't make I'm No, man. >> You didn't turn on your body camera last night, >> huh? >> You didn't turn on your body camera at all last night? >> Why would I? I'm not not It's not The only time I turn on the body camera if like there's an incident to where it needs to be documented. >> Okay. No. I got you as illegal drug asking question about >> No. No. Absolutely not. >> Yeah. You wouldn't record that? >> No. And I'll give you permission to check my body camera. >> Oh, okay. >> I I I I will You know what? >> I believe you didn't turn it on. >> I've never shook nobody down. I've never made contact physicalwise. I'm I chat with everybody, man. >> I tell them, "Don't they got absolute trying to get me riled up? >> I'm trying to get you around." >> Despite his denials, Scalleta agreed to a drug test. But no matter how hard he tried to appear innocent, the writing was already on the wall. >> I don't use illegal drugs. I don't nothing like that, man. I knew as soon as I told you about my medical history, you were going to think that. And I got Tourette's syndrome. So, >> I already thought you were high, so you don't need to worry about that. >> That's That's Yeah. Okay. Okay. And I get that a lot, right? I have Tourett syndrome, man. >> I got you. >> But and I'll take a drug test for you. >> Okay. >> Is that Is that possible? Can I do that? >> Yes, please. Thank you. I'll actually take you to the hospital and get a blood uh lab draw. >> I'm not going to get a blood draw. >> Huh? >> I'm not going to get a blood draw. >> That's awesome. Great. And I can't wait for the results. >> Mr. Splattera. >> Yes, sir. >> We're taking your car for a search warrant. When it gets to the evidence garage. >> I'm sorry. >> I'm taking your car for a search warrant. When it gets to the evidence garage, we're going to have a narcotics sniff your car. Is it >> Okay. >> Is it going to alert on your car? >> No. Nope. Not at all. >> Okay. There's no illegal narcotics. Not whatsoever. No. I don't even smoke pot weed. I've never confiscate, confiscated or shook nobody down. No ill narcotics has ever been in that vehicle or on me for that matter. I hadn't been in no and your information is wrong. So, as far as being shaking people and searching people, none of that. >> Okay. >> Absolutely not. Like, I've offered people waters, made sure they were okay, but I've never asked about nothing like that. That is farfetched been not happy. >> When I first contacted you, why did you say your name was Mezzi? >> That's my name. That's what I go by. That's your legal name. >> Michael Scalleta Tit was charged [music] with two felonies. Criminal impersonation in the first degree and unlawful possession of a firearm in the second degree. Michael got what was coming to him and so did this young corrections officer who thought wearing his sheriff's vest across state lines wouldn't raise any red flags. >> So why are you wearing the vest? >> Well, like I said, I drove from all the way from Tennessee. >> You're wearing a patch that says sheriff. >> Okay. I >> That's impersonating law enforcement. He goes, "I'm a I'm a undercover cop." >> All right, turn around. Face the other way. Put your hands behind your back. >> On January the 1st, 2023, deputies stopped a 19-year-old corrections officer from Tennessee after reports of suspicious behavior. The suspect became defensive as officers confronted him. >> Do you have any weapons in the car or anything like that or 19 years old? if this is going to cause problems. There's a truck over there. I I'm just going to take out the vest, man. I'm from Tennessee. So, >> why are you wearing the vest? >> Like I said, I drove from all the way from Tennessee, but I'm not going to I'm not going to have people call me when I don't even live in this damn state. It's going to piss me off. >> You're you're a deputy sheriff? >> Well, I mean, I work at the sheriff's office. Okay. So, I mean, >> are you a corrections officer for the sheriff's office? Okay. >> Why do you wear a vest outside of the facility? Is this a vehicle or is this your personal vehicle? >> This is my vehicle. >> Okay. It's just a little odd cuz whenever I worked in the jail, I took my crap off. Especially if I was taking a long drive from Tennessee. >> I said, man, if I if I tell you guys the same thing. I have been pulled over so many times in Tennessee and Arkansas. Okay. They know. I have told them every single >> That might be true, but too wearing this stuff. I mean like it it every time I come up here I mean they they don't all they say is it's just odd. I never see it. I was like well I mean like well guess what I like wearing it just like in Tennessee got pulled over and guess what >> deputies found it suspicious that he was wearing his corrections vest so far from his facility. As questioning continued a critical issue of his identification quickly emerged. >> You got any kind of employment identification? >> Dude, they don't give me that when you work at the deal. >> Really? You don't have like an access card or ID badge or anything for the facility that you work at? I >> I don't I can show you my face though. I don't see this didn't work. The only thing I'm >> Oh, so my only deal is when you wear county. There you go. >> Yeah. Are you commissioned to carry a gun? >> I um No, I'm not. >> You're not? Okay. >> I don't even have a gun on me. >> Well, you realize wearing the sheriff on your chest is basically impersonating law enforcement >> whether or not you're carrying a gun. >> Okay. But are you commissioned to be carrying a gun? And do you have arrest? I >> don't. What do you mean? I don't even have that. >> That's beside the fact you're wearing a patch that says sheriff. Okay. That's impersonating law enforcement. >> I wore it all the time at the jail before though. >> Okay. Well, that might be true and fine within the jail, but when you come out to public, you don't have any arrest powers. You don't You're not commissioned. >> I understand. >> Do you understand? >> I understand that. I didn't understand. >> And you got alcohol in the vehicle. >> Well, it's not mine. >> Well, that's beside the point. >> It's my girlfriend. And I don't drink, so >> Well, it doesn't it doesn't matter. you realize transporting open container if any of that's opened or partially uh missing that it doesn't matter whose it is. If you're in the vehicle with it, you can be arrested for uh transporting open container. >> Well, I mean, like I said, it's it's it's not I literally >> she bought it. You She lives up there in Luther. >> Have you ever heard the phrase when guys get hemmed up for their pockets and they say these pants aren't mine? You realize how >> I clear traffic 095. Okay. >> But let's let's stop saying it. All right. >> I understand. I understand. I want to go on my way. I'm not from here. So, >> all right. I mean, there's proof right there. But like I go down. I just want to take it off. >> I'll take off. >> That's fine. I'd much rather you just take the sheriff patch off. I mean, I could do that >> cuz if you're if you're not commissioned to be a sheriff deputy or a police officer sheriff and I understand why you got >> I am a deputy sheriff. Yes. >> But do you but I'm trying to be nice to you. I'm trying to be nice to you. I understand why you got called. >> Right. But if you walk around with a vest carrier on with sheriff on your chest and you're not a sheriff. You may work for the sheriff's office, but you work in a jail and you're not commissioned outside of the jail to carry a gun or have any arrest powers. >> Okay. >> All right. Did you get out of your car or something here in the parking lot? >> Okay. I got out of the car. There was a truck that he he looked at me. That's all I did. I I never I never never said anything like law enforcement was or nothing. I He looked at me and he was laughing. I just like go to his car and I was like, "Did you leave me or something like that?" That's it. And I just like walked away. Okay. I don't >> That's all I did, man. >> The suspect tried to talk his way out, hoping to be let off, but deputies were only just beginning their questioning, and it would soon lead to far more trouble than he expected. And you don't have a gun with you or anything like that? >> You can search the car? >> I can search the car? >> Is that what you said? >> You asked me if I had a gun on me. I don't >> I was just asking if you had a gun on you. You said something about I can search the car. >> I don't. >> You don't mind if I search the car? I don't do it. >> Okay, cool. Step on out if you don't mind. Drop your cord there. All right, place the vehicle. I'll just check you for make sure you don't have any guns or nothing. >> Okay, >> if you wouldn't, >> that's fine. If you wouldn't mind, go ahead and take the vest off and just set it in the car. >> Okay. [clears throat] >> So, do you wear this vest carrier on duty? >> No. >> In the jail? >> I mean, like I can I usually wear it under my shirt. >> Okay. What vehicle was it that you uh stopped and talked to? >> I didn't stop at another vehicle. >> No, I mean you said that you stopped and talked to >> It was some It was some truck, but then he left out. >> All I did literally I went up the vest off for me. Why don't we go have a seat in my Tahoe? I'll have a seat in my Tahoe. Bathroom. No. Back seat. Are you on the phone? My girlfriend. >> Okay. Let me hang up the phone. We can't have people in the back seat with us. All right. Thanks. Deputies then consulted about the legality of the situation and what charges could apply. >> Pretty much he he had to have attempted to act like law enforcement like trying to make a traffic stop. Uh, but >> as far as just saying something to somebody, >> wearing what he's saying or wearing what he's wearing is I guess not >> it's not it's it's kind of protected type thing. >> Yeah, he he had he hadn't really crossed the law yet, but >> he's getting there. >> He's he's walking a fine line. >> Yeah, >> he checks out. He's got no warrants, no wants. I wonder if he's got any uh car insurance back to him. >> Yeah. supervisor contact that we could talk to a supervisor. >> I don't understand that. >> But we don't I'm trying to I'm trying to keep my loan because if I >> We're not looking to take you to jail, but >> we're not looking to do >> We want to talk to a supervisor. >> I don't care if you take my like I don't care if you take it. I mean, >> keep me out of trouble. >> We We want to talk to a supervisor. >> I mean, it's on my phone. >> In your phone? All right. I'll go grab your I mean, you can take you can take all this stuff from me. >> Okay. >> I mean, that's I don't care. I mean, I bought all this stuff. None of that stuff was given to it like I stole it. >> Okay. All right. Give me your phone back. >> Like I said, I'm not see >> cool. Everything changed when a witness came forward with a shocking account of what really happened. >> All right, tell me exactly what you just said. >> Cuz he was dressed like a cop. >> He had a sheriff thing, but it had sheriff written on the side, >> right? >> And I live on 62 off of Adam Road. >> He was sitting in a driveway, 251, >> right beside 62 highway. And I pulled up and I was staring at him cuz he was in there kind of two. And I was like, we live on a one one way in, one way out. And you know, wellers are watching for cars. And I sat there and I was staring at him. And I stared for about 10 minutes and staring at him. And I'm like, "What the heck is this guy? It's kind of odd. He's in in in our neighbor's driveway." I sat there staring at him. He stared at him. And I drove off. He got right behind me. So I followed him. >> Mhm. And uh he's driving along. He was right on my right arm me. I pulled in Sonic. He pulled in behind me. He gets out and I said, "And sir," he's like, "Well, uh, I was wondering what what was your problem. You were staring at me over in the in the driveway." And I said, "Yeah, I was kind of curious who you was because I was kind of odd that uh I didn't know who you was. I was kind of curious. I laid down the road. I was trying to see what was going on." And I was staring at you to see who you was because I'm a I'm a undercover cop for I run my partner. I run with the highway patrolman out of W. >> Okay. And I said, "So, uh, just be curious. Uh, you're pretty young. How old are you?" He goes, "I'm 22 years old. Just turned 22." I was like, "Hey, pretty young. Be an investigator." >> Right. >> And, uh, I said, "Uh, what brings you to the cops?" Like, is he in the family or whatever? You try to just talk to him. He goes, "Yeah, a lot of my family cops and stuff." And that's become I came I was 18. And then uh he goes uh well I got a call. I got to let you go. And then he left. And then when he left he came towards uh by the uh bridge on a turnbite bridge and he took UI and was trying to pull another car. He was trying to flash his wife at >> really. And I I didn't know if if they pulled over or not, but he was flash his lights like he was trying to pull him over. I was like trying to scream. I got home as well. told my wife, my wife, this car pulled me over and I was talking to this guy and I was odd how he was acting. >> I got you. Can you hang out here for a minute? >> Yeah. >> All right. Don't go nowhere. Okay. >> All right. >> With this new information, deputies had everything they needed to take action against the suspect. >> All right. >> Turn around and face the other way. Put your hands behind your back. >> You're under arrest for impersonating law enforcement. All right. And then you also have a charge for transporting an open container. Wow. My girlfriend's going to pick up my belongings. >> Uh, not at this time. >> You know how long I'm going to be in jail? Because I'm from >> Well, your mom lives here, so >> Well, I know that >> I'm not too worried about that. >> Well, I mean, >> all right. Go ahead and step on it. I'm going to double check. Make sure you don't have anything in your pockets or not. >> The title here. >> You got a vape? Yeah. >> Where at? >> Your right pocket. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> But you used to work in a jail. >> Yeah, I used to work. >> So, so you know what what goes down in a jail. >> You know, you know the process a little bit. >> Yeah, but >> right. Okay. Go ahead and have a seat back in there. >> I got to be in jail. >> I don't know yet, man. I'm just trying I'm just trying to be nice and >> Nobody knows that. >> Okay. You'll be able to make a phone call when you get to the jet. I don't know anybody's number. >> We'll be able to give you phone numbers. We'll write down phone numbers for you and you'll have a piece of paper with their number. >> Did you talk to my >> your cousin Jacob? >> Yep. So, he knows. Uh he doesn't know you're going to jail because we didn't confirm what we know now until we talked to the RP. Uh so >> on >> Huh? >> It's on >> reporting party. >> Okay. Well, that's because you're not law law enforcement. So, >> all right. Um so, >> but Jacob wanted me to let you know that if you try to come back there and get a job, you won't be hired. Okay. All right. The 19-year-old corrections officer was ultimately arrested and charged with impersonating law enforcement and transporting an open container. Moving on to a habitual offender who thought yellow flashing lights and intimidation tactics would fool another unsuspecting driver. >> Yeah, I need to see your license. So I said, "Well, okay, but but why? >> Do you wish to talk to us at this time?" >> No, I not present you guys. On April the 21st, 2025, deputies in Orange County, Florida, received a 911 call from a citizen reporting that he had just been stopped by a fake police officer. The victim recounted his terrifying ordeal as he explained the suspicious traffic stop to deputies. >> Yeah. So, I'm leaving the shopping center and I pull out onto the service road next to the 429. I go into the underpass to go the opposite direction. The service road 429 go towards like Windmir. >> Yep. So, I'm driving and it's like the speed limit is like 45 or 50 at the beginning. So, I'm doing the speed limit and then this guy pulls up behind me um with uh almost like the construction yellow flashing lights that they usually put on like a construction truck. >> Okay. >> So, he's tailing me for like a mile riding close by with these lights flashing. Okay. >> Well, and I'm thinking that's not a police car because they wouldn't be just yellow flashing. This must be just some construction guy trying to annoy me. and he starts weaving in and out and riding my TL. So, it just happened for like a mile or so until I reached Windermir Road and uh I got stuck in some traffic at the traffic circle. So, this guy's still wiped me. So, I'm thinking, all right, maybe it is a cop and I better pull over that, but I swear it can't be. So, I pulled over into a little shopping center. A guy pulls up behind me, takes three or four minutes to get out of his car, approaches my car, and it's kind of like back here. He's like, "Yeah, I need to see your license." So I said, "Well, okay, but but why?" And can I see some ID? Do you have a badge or something? Cuz I'm I didn't look like a cop. He didn't have any any book of ID. So he's like, "Well, you know, just just I need to see your ID." So I said, "Well, okay, but can I see your ID because I'm a little suspicious. You don't have red and blue flashing lights. I didn't hear any siren." So he's like, "Hold on a minute." He goes back to his car and I'm thinking, "All right." So, I turned on my recording thinking, you know, if I'm about to get something, I want this to be on recording. So, it took him like five minutes. He came back to my car and just says, "I'm going to let you go. There's more important people to go get." >> The victim provided crucial details about the location that would help deputies track down the suspect. >> You got video [snorts] of it. >> I don't think I got him in it, though. So, I'm sitting here. >> So, where exactly did he stop you? >> He stopped me. There's Yeah. See, I'm waiting for him to come up. I don't think I actually got him. >> Can you screenshot that for me? >> Yeah. >> So, where where did you stop? >> So, I finally stopped. You know where the the baseball fields are next to the elementary school off of Windermir Road. Uh I think it's Bailey Park. There's a couple of little shopping centers right at Bailey Park. There's a traffic circle. >> So, you went down >> the service road 429 and it went to a traffic circle. >> I went to the right. There's a little five or six store shopping center on the right. I pulled in to the driveway in such a way that I could take off because I'm like this. >> So this was at Windermir Road and like the roundabout. >> Yes. >> Okay. >> Yep. >> Give me one second. Okay. So you stopped in this plaza right here. >> Okay. Yes, that's Yeah, cuz this is all the new plaza over here. Yes. So, it was right on this little uh entrance right there that I pulled in where I knew I wouldn't be trapped in there if I didn't have to be. >> Thanks to the victim's quick thinking, deputies have what they needed. A photo and a license plate led them straight to the suspect, Albert Dolan's home. >> Units in the back of the house. We're walking up to the front. >> Hey, Albert, it's the Orange County Sheriff's Office. We got to talk to you. Hey, how you doing, sir? >> How are you? >> Doing all right. You mind coming over here so we could talk about a crash that that we're looking for? >> A crash? >> Yeah, >> sure. >> Come outside. Come outside the house. >> House. >> Come outside the house. >> It's not hard. Just >> kind of. >> All right, let's walk up. Let's walk out. >> Yeah, I got a closed door. >> Once outside, deputies detained Dolan and began explaining why they were there. You >> have any clue why we're here, sir? >> No. >> No. Okay. You understand you're just detained at this time? >> Correct. [snorts] >> Okay. >> So, here's what here's what's going on. Okay. You got a call of a male >> in a black Ford Explorer who was following another vehicle and activated >> yellow lights on their vehicle >> and initiate a traffic stop. That male then got out of his vehicle, approached the second vehicle, asked for license registration, insurance, and when that person asked for a badge number, the male then went back to his vehicle and after a few seconds came back and said, "I have better things to do today." Okay. Yes. A So, the driver of that other vehicle managed to take a photo of the male who came up to their vid to their vehicle and asked for their license, the registration, their show. By the way, I'm not asking you to get I'm just telling you why we're here. All right. The driver of that Ford Explorer, who initiated effectively what's called a traffic stop with yellow lights, acting like they're a police officer, went up to the window of the driver's vehicle, asked them for their license registration assurance, and then when they asked for a badge number, that person then walked back to their explorer after a few seconds, came back up, and says, "I have better things to do today." I don't know if that male knew a photo of him was taken at that time while he was standing at the victim's vehicle. Okay. But that's the photo I got. Okay. So, at this time, I am conducting a felony investigation for impersonating a law enforcement officer. >> Deputies searched the scene, secured Dolan, and began questioning him, but he proved to be a tough nut to crack. >> Do you wish to talk to us at this time? >> No, I not prison you guys. >> No, no, it the question was, do you wish to speak to us at this time? >> I need a yes or no on that. >> No, you don't. Okay. Now, you're being placed under arrest for impersonating a law enforcement officer. >> Okay. >> Any questions that I can answer for you? >> Can I put a shirt on or sweatshirt? >> Nope. >> You can keep those on. Kevin, >> we would however like to secure your house. So, uh, is there is there anybody else in the house with you? Would you like us to go get a set of keys so we can lock up for you? Or do you have a keypad on the door we can press and lock up? Um, no, it's good. >> Excuse me. >> No, it's good. >> Just leave it the way it is. >> Yep. >> Okay. Um, >> pants on or my car real quick? >> Nope. You're good. You're going to change the >> your car or my car. >> You taking it? >> Yeah. >> Over that way. >> Just keep walking straight. >> Is this 650, right? >> All right. Hold on. Stand right here for me. >> Spread your legs as far as possible. >> You got anything on you? Poke me. Stick me. Anything illegal? >> All right, just sit down for a second. >> Step out. This ain't my car, so I didn't know seat belt. There you go. Let me sit down. Loosen this a little bit. Yeah, we we'll get that other side. >> All right, step out real quick. >> Step out. >> Watch out. Back up. >> Walk to the other side. >> International flight. >> Jesus Christ. Albert Dolan was arrested and taken to the Orange County Jail charged with falsely impersonating a law enforcement officer. So,