⏱ 2 min read
Brendan Conklin, a 45-year-old Westerville man, posed as a federal law enforcement agent and made an unlawful arrest in December 2023. Conklin, driving a former police SUV with police lights, pulled over a victim who had just left her Westerville home with her minor child. He pointed a firearm at the victim, claimed to be a federal officer, and wore a vest with various badges and insignias. Conklin’s ruse was eventually uncovered when he mistakenly locked himself out of his vehicle with the victim inside.
Conklin’s arrest was a result of a federal investigation that revealed his extensive efforts to impersonate a federal agent. He had registered a nonprofit organization, the Ohio Fugitive Apprehension Program, and listed the Columbus police headquarters as its address. Conklin also made suspicious internet searches, including ‘how to determine if a US Marshal is legit’ and ‘fake federal license plate’.
Conklin’s guilty verdict was announced after a trial that began on May 4 before U.S. District Judge Algenon L. Marbley. He was indicted by a federal grand jury in January 2026. Impersonating a federal officer and conducting a search or arrest while impersonating are each federal crimes punishable by up to three years in prison.
Conklin’s sentencing will be determined by the court at a later date. The case highlights the dangers of impersonating law enforcement and the importance of verifying the identity of individuals claiming to be federal agents.
📋 Key Facts
- Crime: Public Corruption
- Defendant: Ohio
- Location: OH
- Source: DOJ Press Release
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