SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY – Eric Diaz, 43, of Brentwood, pleaded guilty to Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument in the Second Degree on Wednesday, before Supreme Court Justice Richard Ambro.
The Suffolk County District Attorney, Raymond A. Tierney, announced the arrest and emphasized the commitment to holding individuals accountable for impersonating law enforcement officers.
Between April 1 and May 31, Diaz impersonated a police officer, displaying a badge, handcuffs, and a handgun to obtain a “police discount” at a Bay Shore retail store.
Upon his arrest on August 15, by Detective Charles Gambino of the Suffolk County Police Department’s District Attorney’s Squad, Diaz was found with a stun gun and multiple fraudulent law enforcement identification cards.
Further searches of Diaz’s vehicle and home revealed additional fraudulent items, including imitation pistols and a bulletproof vest. Diaz, represented by the Legal Aid Society, is expected to be sentenced to two to four years in prison and will return to court on November 13.
