Man wearing security guard badge charged with police impersonation
WEST MONROE, La. – Jan 111 2019 A Louisiana man was arrested for allegedly impersonating multiple officers.
According to the arrest report, on January 8, 2019 at 200 Bridge Street, West Monroe Police arrested Leslie Knighton, 49 of New Orleans, on False Personation of a Peace Officer.
Police say Knighton was observed sleeping in in his vehicle wearing a security officer’s badge around his neck with a Police/Marshal office T-shirt in his passenger seat that was in plain view to the public.
Officers also noticed Knighton had red and blue police lights on the front and back of his Chevrolet Tahoe.
Police say when they asked Knighton what he was doing, he replied that he worked for the US Marshal’s office and was conducting surveillance for something that was expected to take place early Monday morning.
Officers asked for Knighton’s Marshal I.D. card which was registered to California, however it was expired. Knighton provided several LA state board of Private examiners I.D. cards which were also expired.
Knighton then allegedly claimed that he worked security for the New Orleans Police Department.
Upon searching Knighton’s vehicle, officers found several more paraphernalia that a standard officer would possess such as standard issue belts, a police style radio, handcuffs, and a stun gun.
Knighton was also in possession of multiple cell phones and numerous unscratched lottery tickets wrapped in plastic.
Knighton allegedly admits he is not currently employed with the US Marshal’s Office but inspires to be one.
Leslie Knighton has been booked into the Ouachita Correctional Center on 1 count of False Personation of a Peace Officer.
His bond has been set at $15,000.00.
