A 26-year-old Elizabeth man was arrested Saturday after police in Sparta say he flashed a fake badge.
According to authorities, on August 21st, Officer Tom Snyder stopped a vehicle on Tomahawk Trail for several equipment violations sometime around 12:15 p.m.
The operator of the vehicle - later identified as 26-year-old Juan Genao, of Elizabeth, - identified himself as an Essex County Constable. Genao provided the officer a gold badge and a poorly constructed ID card.
Further investigation revealed that Genao was not a Constable in Essex County and was subsequently placed under arrest.
He was charged with impersonating a law enforcement officer 4th degree crime, providing false documents 4th degree crime, hindering and obstruction both DP offenses. He was also issued MV summonses for driving while suspended, maintenance of lamps, and unclear license plates.
He was released pending a court appearance. Det. Brian Hassloch assisted with the investigation.