Story Archive

Imitation is Flattery, But...

Officers were called to a disturbance at a convenience store in Belleview, Fla. When Sgt. Bobby Levay arrived, a man in a Marion County Sheriff’s uniform identified himself as Deputy Miranda, and said he’d witnessed a disturbance, which is why he had called for local police assistance. The next day, MCSO deputy Yoandy Miranda returned home from an out-of-town trip, and discovered someone had been in his locked bedroom and patrol car, although nothing appeared to have been stolen. He reported the possible burglary to local police, which is when Levay realized that “Deputy Miranda” wasn’t. Investigation led to Miranda’s nephew, Isael Lima, 18, who lives with Miranda and allegedly admitted to stealing Miranda’s uniform and equipment, explaining that he initially drove to his girlfriend’s home to impress her, but then conducted a traffic stop and impersonated Miranda at the convenience store. He was arrested on multiple charges, including grand theft of a motor vehicle, grand theft of a firearm, armed burglary of a dwelling, impersonating a law enforcement official, and giving a false name to a law enforcement officer. He was held on $33,000 bond. (MS/WTEV Jacksonville) ...Though Miranda didn’t read him his rights.