Man accused of posing as federal agent
By Brian Stanley bstanley@stmedianetwork.com March 15, 2013 11:51AM
Verlonzo J. Turks
Updated: March 15, 2013 11:00PM
Police say a man tried passing himself off as a federal agent to local officers Wednesday.
Crete Police Chief James Paoletti said Verlonzo J. Turks, 38, was filling up around 4:30 p.m. at Shell, 1400 E. Steger Road, when an off-duty Sauk Village officer pulled in at the next pump.
“Turks’ Ford Crown Victoria was tricked out like a squad car with emergency lights, a mounted computer and dashboard camera,” Paoletti said.
Turks was reportedly wearing cargo pants, a bulletproof vest and police-style shirt, but had no patches, so the officer asked what department he was with.
“He said he was a federal agent with the Department of Homeland Security, but the (Sauk Village) officer was suspicious (as) his 2001 Crown Vic was pretty beat up for a government vehicle,” Paoletti said.
The off-duty officer called Crete police, who stopped Turks and asked for his ID.
“He again said he was with Homeland Security and produced credentials, which were counterfeit,” Paoletti said.
Some computer checks also showed Turks has represented himself as an agent to law enforcement in Indianapolis and Kansas City.
Turks’ car was impounded and contained other phony IDs, Paoletti said. Turks was charged with impersonating a police officer and booked into the county jail where he is being held on $30,000 bond.
Turks reportedly had a loaded Glock handgun when he was arrested. Paoletti said Turks does have a valid concealed carry permit from Indiana, but this incident could change that status. Will County Jail records list Turks address as 1822 E. 222nd St. in Sauk Village.
Police were also notified federal authorities will be conducting their own investigation of Turks’ alleged activity, Paoletti said.
