3 accused of operating fictitious police department

May 7, 2015 Black Truth News Community News, Misc. Clips, Recent Posts, Videos Links

Henry is a licensed security guard and also has a firearm permit.

This April 30, 2015, booking photo provided by the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department, shows Brandon Kiel, who was arrested on suspicion of impersonating a police officer through his role in an organization known as the Masonic Fraternal Police Department, sheriff's authorities said. Kiel and two others are accused of operating a rogue police force that claims to have been in existence for more than 3,000 years and has jurisdiction in 33 states and Mexico, authorities said Tuesday, May 5, 2015. (Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department via AP) — This April 30, 2015, booking photo provided by the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department, shows Brandon Kiel, who was arrested on suspicion of impersonating a police officer through his role in an organization known as the Masonic Fraternal Police Department, sheriff’s authorities said. Kiel and two others are accused of operating a rogue police force that claims to have been in existence for more than 3,000 years and has jurisdiction in 33 states and Mexico, authorities said Tuesday, May 5, 2015. (Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department via AP)

Kiel, 31, worked as deputy director of community affairs at the California Department of Justice since July 2013. He has been on paid administrative leave from his $67,416-a-year civil service job since Thursday. The Los Angeles Times first reported that Kiel worked for Harris.

Department spokesman David Beltran said the agency can’t comment on an ongoing personnel matter or criminal investigation. He said Kiel “worked with members of the public basically on issues and questions regarding the work of the department.”

Kiel, Henry, 46, and Hayes, 59, were arrested April 30 and released later that day, according to jail records. Telephone calls and text messages seeking comment were not immediately returned.

All three were charged on April 28 with multiple counts of impersonating an officer and other misdemeanors, said Ricardo Santiago, a spokesman for the district attorney’s office.

Henry has been charged with committing perjury under oath for declaring the Masonic Fraternal Police Department is a state agency. Kiel is charged with misusing his government identification.

Hayes is a pastor and moderated a debate between sheriff’s candidates in the most recent election, Nishida said.