Federal officials said a Camden County man previously convicted of multiple felony offenses including robbery, burglary, and aggravated assault today admitted possessing fraudulent law enforcement credentials and unlawfully possessing a handgun, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
According to officials, Mr. Warren E. Shelton, 54, of Chesilhurst pleaded guilty by teleconference before U.S. District Judge Joseph H. Rodriguez to an indictment charging him with one count of unlawful possession of imitation badges, identification cards, and other insignia prescribed for use by officers of a department or agency of the United States and one count of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
In 2018, Shelton designed, ordered, and acquired counterfeit Department of Homeland Security, Federal Protective Service (FPS) credentials, business identification cards, and a badge falsely representing that he was employed as a special agent with FPS and authorized to carry a weapon and enforce federal laws.
During a court-authorized search of Shelton’s home in May 2019, investigators located and seized these counterfeit items and also located and seized a Colt .45 caliber handgun and ammunition along with two blank guns that resembled real firearms.
As a previously convicted felon, Shelton is prohibited from possessing a firearm.
Shelton faces a maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 for the firearm offense.
He also faces up to six months in prison and a fine of up to $5,000 for possession of the counterfeit FPS credentials, business cards, and badge.
Sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 7, 2020.