Florida man arrested for impersonating police officer to evade checks

Understanding the Incident

In a strange turn of events, a 64-year-old man from Florida, William Dennis Milstead, found himself in hot water after attempting to impersonate an undercover police officer. This unusual case came to light when a real estate agency alerted the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) about Milstead’s dubious attempts to lease a residential property without undergoing the necessary background checks. The incident raises significant questions about the lengths some individuals will go to evade scrutiny, especially in real estate transactions.

The Fake Letter

Milstead’s scheme involved submitting a falsified letter to the real estate agency, claiming he was an undercover agent working “off-grid.” This letter, riddled with grammatical and spelling errors, purportedly came from an assistant captain of the FDLE’s “Off Grid Command Unit.” It requested an exception to the agency’s background check policy, citing security concerns for their “agent safety.” The letter claimed that Milstead had been employed by the FDLE since October 2006 and was nearing retirement, which added a layer of credibility to his deceit.

Legal Consequences

However, the facade quickly crumbled when the FDLE investigated the claims made in the letter. It was revealed that Milstead had a troubling history, with 13 prior felony arrests and a previous charge for impersonating an officer. His arrest on November 13 led to him being booked into the St. Lucie County Jail, from which he was released two days later after posting an $11,000 bond. This incident not only highlights the importance of thorough background checks in real estate transactions but also serves as a reminder of the potential consequences of impersonation and fraud.