Timothy Rosselli Charged with Impersonating Federal Agent

Timothy Rosselli, aka Timothy Rossell, aka Austyn Gardner, aka Austyn Labella, a man from Union, Missouri, was arrested today on federal charges of impersonating a federal agent. The arrest follows a multi-state investigation into his use of stolen identities and counterfeit federal credentials to pose as a Deputy United States Marshal.

According to a criminal complaint filed in U.S. District Court, Rosselli had been living in Union, Missouri, under the alias Austyn Gardner, claiming to be a federal law enforcement officer. After abruptly fleeing his residence on October 9, his girlfriend contacted local police. Investigators, working with the U.S. Marshals Service, quickly uncovered that Rosselli’s identification and official-looking gear were fake.

A second woman in Ft. Myers, Florida, identified Rosselli as Austyn Labella — again, a supposed Deputy U.S. Marshal. She reportedly purchased two luxury sports cars for him, including a white Lamborghini, believing his cover story. Rosselli told her the vehicle had blown a tire and that he needed to travel by bus, which led investigators to Effingham, Illinois.

Effingham police apprehended Rosselli as he attempted to buy a bus ticket. He was taken into federal custody and transported to St. Louis, where he appeared in court this morning. Prosecutors have requested he be held without bond pending trial, citing a history of flight risk and deception.

Rosselli has numerous prior convictions tied to fraud and deceit. He is also wanted on outstanding parole violations in Missouri and in his home state of Pennsylvania. If convicted of impersonating a federal officer, he faces up to three years in federal prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Federal authorities also plan to pursue restitution for victims of his elaborate ruse.

The U.S. Marshals Service, with support from the Union (Missouri) Police Department and Effingham (Illinois) Police Department, led the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tom Albus is prosecuting the case. Authorities urge anyone with information on Rosselli or his aliases to contact the U.S. Marshals Service – Investigations Bureau at 314-539-2040. As with all federal cases, the charges are allegations; Rosselli is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.