Felon Impersonates FBI Agent, Harasses Couple

Grimy Times has learned that Michael Thetford, a 36-year-old Alabaster, Alabama, man, has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Impersonating a Federal Officer, and Interstate Stalking.

According to the indictment, Thetford had been convicted of other felony offenses prior to May 2010, and was prohibited from possessing a firearm. Despite this, he came from Alabama to South Dakota and began harassing and surveilling a married couple from Hughes County.

During this time, Thetford wrongfully represented himself as a Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agent, providing the couple with a fake name and FBI credentials. He also possessed and wore a handgun during his exchanges with the victims.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 10 years in custody, a $250,000 fine, or both; 3 years of supervised release; and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.

Thetford appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on August 21, 2013, and pled not guilty to the Indictment. The investigation is being conducted by the FBI, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigations, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Tim Maher is prosecuting the case. Thetford was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.

The charges are merely an accusation and Thetford is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.