Union Man Pleads Guilty to Faking U.S. Marshal Status

Timothy Rossell, aka Timothy Rosselli, aka Austyn Gardner, aka Austyn Labella, of Union, Missouri, has pleaded guilty to impersonating a federal law enforcement officer in a brazen scheme that duped two women into funding his luxury lifestyle. Rossell, who claimed to be a Deputy United States Marshal, manipulated both victims emotionally and financially over a nine-month period in 2016.

Court documents reveal Rossell maintained romantic relationships with two women—one in Florida and the other in the Union, Missouri, area—while falsely presenting himself as a federal agent. He used the fabricated identity to gain their trust, convincing them to lend him money, apply for credit, and purchase high-end vehicles, including a white Lamborghini, all in his name.

The scam unraveled on October 10, 2016, when Rossell’s Missouri girlfriend discovered counterfeit U.S. Marshal badges, official-looking paperwork, and imitation service gear hidden in their shared home. Immediately after her discovery, Rossell fled the residence and drove to Illinois, leaving behind the evidence of his deception.

While on the run, Rossell’s sports car broke down near Effingham, Illinois. He arranged a tow and secured a ride to the local bus depot—all while still posing as a Deputy United States Marshal. His performance ended at the depot, where he was arrested by local authorities in coordination with federal investigators.

Rossell pleaded guilty to one felony count of impersonating an officer before United States District Judge Rodney W. Sippel. He now faces a maximum penalty of three years in federal prison and fines up to $250,000. Sentencing is scheduled for April 27, 2017, with the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines expected to influence the final judgment.

The case was investigated by the United States Marshals Service, with support from the Union (MO) Police Department and the Effingham (IL) Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Tom Albus is prosecuting the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office, emphasizing that impersonating a federal agent is not only a crime but a direct threat to public trust in law enforcement.

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