Jose Luis Rodriguez-Treto, Pseudocop Impersonation, Texas 2013

BROWNSVILLE, Texas – In a shocking case of deception, a 28-year-old Mexican citizen has admitted to posing as a law enforcement officer in an attempt to commit crimes. Jose Luis Rodriguez-Treto, a Mexican citizen with no legal status in the United States, pleaded guilty to being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm.

According to court documents, the incident occurred on January 22, 2013, when two Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents were stopped by Rodriguez-Treto’s vehicle, which was displaying flashing white lights similar to those used in law enforcement vehicles. However, instead of pulling the agents over, Rodriguez-Treto passed them and continued driving with the lights still flashing.

The agents, who were initially fooled by the flashing lights, noticed a car seat in the back seat and believed Rodriguez-Treto was not a law enforcement officer. They soon discovered that he was, in fact, a pseudocop, an individual who portrays themselves as law enforcement for the purposes of committing crimes, primarily narcotics-related thefts of drugs or money.

During the stop, agents found a loaded pistol magazine in Rodriguez-Treto’s pocket, a pistol hidden in the glove box, a pistol hidden in the diaper bag, a rifle under the back seat, police scanners, a badge stating ‘special police,’ and other law enforcement paraphernalia. Rodriguez-Treto admitted to owning the weapons and was subsequently arrested.

Rodriguez-Treto’s wife and infant child were also present in the vehicle during the stop. He is facing up to 10 years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine, with sentencing set for June 26, 2013. The case was investigated by HSI and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Joseph Leonard and Ana Cano.

The incident highlights the dangers of pseudocops, who often pose as law enforcement officials to commit crimes. This case serves as a reminder of the importance of verifying the identity of individuals who claim to be law enforcement officers.

The investigation and prosecution of Rodriguez-Treto’s case demonstrate the commitment of law enforcement agencies to combatting crime and keeping communities safe.

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