On Wednesday, January 19, 2011 at approximately 12:22 p.m., Sgt. Theodore Dima stopped a 2004 black Ford Mustang in front of 9 West Grant Avenue for failing to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk.
The driver, Michael Mazzone, age 27, of Roselle Park, NJ was advised of the violation and the reason for the stop. Mazzone then identified himself as a “U.S. Customs Inspector at Newark Airport”. When asked for his credentials or official identification, Mazzone stated he did not to carry his credentials when he was off duty.
He stated he previously he worked for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) as a screener.
A check with U.S. Customs / Newark Airport confirmed that Mazzone was not a sworn employee of U.S. Customs at Newark Airport. Mazzone was issued a summons for 39:4-136, failing to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk and advised him that he would be contacted at a later date regarding his claim of being a sworn customs agent.
On Thursday, February 19, 2011, upon conclusion of Sgt. Dima’s investigation, Mazzone was charged with 2C:28-8B – impersonating a sworn officer.
On February 22, 2011, Mazzone was contacted through his attorney to respond to Roselle Park Police Headquarters for processing on March 2, 2011. Mazzone had not responded and was arrested at his residence, processed and released pending a Superior Court Date on March 11, 2011.