On September 4th, 2025, Breton police officers were called to a small fire in a parking garage in Breton, Washington. An unmarked Ford Explorer with flashing police lights pulled in. Outstepped a man wearing an Edmonds police badge along with other police and SWAT badges, body armor, and a gun. At first, a Breton officer believed he might be an offduty detective and began speaking with him. But the man's odd mannerisms and his claim to be from another jurisdiction quickly raised suspicion. After wrapping up the fire call, the officer followed him back to the Breton Salvation Army where he was working an offduty detail to gather more information. >> Were you on the phone with him? >> They asked us to come outside. I thought it was for you. >> Who asked us to come outside? >> I don't know. He's on the phone with him. >> No, I I thought I was pulled over cuz I thought you guys needed help with that. >> Oh, no. No, we thought No, I don't I'm confused right now, man. It's been my It's my first day back in a while. So, I was out with CO and uh it was bad. [clears throat] >> Okay. >> It's been a while since I've been back here. Oh, yeah. I had Yeah, it was 11th time having it >> and it was the worst. I I had to go to the hospital, get breathing treatment. >> Yeah, >> it was bad. It hurt to talk. Okay. >> It was I'm good now. Promise. >> Nice. >> Uh but yeah, >> right on. >> Just getting back here this afternoon. As soon as I'm talking with the shift change and debriefing with him, they're like this big B like they made it out way worse. >> Oh. >> What it was? And I was like, >> what's going on? >> No, he popped out. I was like I was like, damn. I thought you were like one of our detectives at >> I I know some of the guys um more with the task force. Um but it's really with the sheriff. >> Yeah. Uh I deal with more of the uh probation than anything um with uh over [clears throat] there at um the Kitep Sheriff's Department, the detectives over there. I know more of those guys than anything out here. >> Okay. >> All right. Yeah. >> Right on, man. >> How long you been? How long you been? >> Uh, well, so I retired from Baltimore City after 27 years. Um, came out here. Um, it took about a year for me to end up going back into an agency. I went with Thirsten at first. person sheriff's department. Um there was a lot a lot of things going on. They wanted to put me in the jail. >> I was like, "No, I got that." So, uh I've been I know a lot of detectives from Edmonds. Yeah. >> Uh from the gang network and stuff like that. Uh the anti-narcotics training on base every year. Uh >> yeah, >> guys that they're like, "Hey man, let's uh see if get you on." I had to go back to uh get the Washington Post and the RCWs. Uh >> how long you been detected with evidence? >> About two years. >> Two years. >> Yeah. >> Dang. >> Yeah. Um and yeah, two years uh with the robbery. It was I started with robbery and now I'm with the gang intelligence. >> Dang. It's pretty hardcore. >> Right on, man. Hey, I just want I just got to stop by for >> my st by the way. I >> stiletto. >> Stalta. >> Yeah. >> Stalleta. >> Are you going to be back here tonight? I mean, get a card or something. Oh, >> okay. I'm I'm I'm working all night. So, >> yeah, >> you'll see me. I'll be out here all night. >> All right, man. >> Fresh air, man. And I'll I'll grab a card for you and give it to you, man. >> Cool. >> All right. What's your name again? >> Austin Tras. >> Sorry. >> Trust. >> All right. Tr. >> Hey, you just call me Messi or Stalleta. >> All right, man. >> All right, man. Thank you, man. I'll see you later. Around 2:30 a.m. that same day, another officer was dispatched to a 7-Eleven near the Salvation Army after an employee reported a minor dispute with a customer and simply wanted him trespassed. When the officer arrived, the same man showed up again pretending to be backup. >> One guy and lot of people I need clean and this guy 24 hours is G-Sh. >> No, who knows? No, G t-shirt. Great. >> This guy, >> who are you asking to leave? >> I call and this guy 24 hours here in the door and he left it and every customer say >> he just need to leave. >> Yeah. No more. Yeah, brother. >> Big one, bro. >> It's week one. >> Hey. Hey. >> Just talk to me. >> Huh? >> This one. >> Great t-shirt. You want him trespass? >> Yeah. >> Okay. Uh, he wants you trespass. He can't be on the property anymore. That's why I'm here formally to do. What's your name? I got to identify you. All right, Joseph. >> All right. >> All right. >> You have a good one. >> Meanwhile, the same officer from the fire call returned to the Salvation Army early the next morning to clear a few details about the man he had encountered the day before. on site. >> Is he working security for you? >> Yeah. >> Have a good moment. Yeah. >> That guy is I'll be back shortly. >> Are you good? >> I'm good. [clears throat] >> Good. >> Yeah. >> You want to come back over here? >> Yeah. >> I was talking to some other guys. So, you work for Edmonds PD? I do. >> Okay. >> Yeah. I This is a part-time gig. >> Got you. Do you have your commission card with you? >> Yeah. Give me a minute here. The officer followed him and the man was later identified as Scalleta T8 49 from Olympia, Washington. [clears throat] >> It's got on the side. Yeah, it's got everything in there. >> No, didn't find it. >> Sorry. >> No, he's he's going to it's in my other bag. >> Oh, okay. >> It's uh he's grabbing it now. >> Okay. How long have you been working for the Salvation Army? >> Sorry. >> How long have you been working up duty for the Salvation Army? >> Uh uh I'm I'm here almost every other week. >> Every other week? >> Yeah. Uh and then I also work down at the KRM. >> Okay. >> When the officer asked for his full name, he provided a slightly different one. >> And what's your full name? >> Uh Mezi Scalleta. M E Z Y. >> S A L E T. >> Your first name is Messi. M E Z Y. Correct. >> And Scalleta. >> S A L E T A. >> Okay. What's your middle initial? >> Anthony. And uh >> while gathering information from him, a backup officer arrived and noticed some discrepancies in his police gear. >> Hey, man. >> Yeah, the it's going to be the green bag. it. And it's got the uh my wallet with the credentials and everything inside of it. And the no uh upstairs. Upstairs. >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. >> Is it a loaded fire room when you have a few letter? >> Correct. Not familiar with the retention of this holster. Just keep your hands right there. >> Can we not do this in front of every I mean really? >> You're doing just fine. Keep your hands app. >> Can I contact my as soon as y'all are Do >> you have any other firearms on you, sir? >> No, sir. >> Okay. Here's what you do. >> So So you're not under arrest right now? No. But you're being detained. Okay. >> You call my >> Yeah, we can take care of all that. We can take care of all that. You can make all the phone calls. It needs to be double. credentials. >> Huh? >> So, >> his credentials? Yes. >> Okay. In the front. >> What agency did you say you were with? >> Edmmonds. >> You're with Edmonds. >> Edmonds. Yes. >> Okay. Okay. >> Do you understand being detainer? >> I I I understand the whole process. >> Yes, I did. Okay. Okay. >> Officers then spoke with the security supervisor who told them he was confident the man was a real police officer. >> Is he hired by? >> No. by somebody. >> He's hired by your company. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Okay. You said it. I We're concerned. >> We're concerned he's impersonating a police officer is not credential. Do you know for a fact that he's a police officer? >> Yeah. >> Okay. A couple calls last night. Um yesterday he did. Okay. >> Um my boss. >> Okay. Okay. That's the concern. So if he credentials out, we'll this will all be fine. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> He led officers to check his lunch bag for the credentials, but the officers only found an empty badge holder and Coca-Cas inside. I'm >> sorry. What' you say? Your name was still. >> Is it okay if I check your >> Absolutely. Please grab my credentials and everything out there, please. Which where we where is it at >> in front? >> Actually, is it where the radios are? >> It's still other. >> So, yeah, that's there. Sorry. Did you Did you read him yet? >> Yeah, I read him. >> Okay. >> He did. He did. Yeah. Okay. >> So, I had to rest. That's fine. Okay. Who's your first time? >> Me. M E Z Y. >> Mezi. I'm Trevor. Thanks. >> So, do you understand why you're detained right now or no? I don't I don't know. >> I think I can >> why you did are going what you're doing, but Okay. >> Is it okay if I explain some of it? >> Sure. >> Okay. So, first off, if you are a commission police officer in this state >> Mhm. >> you'll be taken out of cuffs and I will formally apologize. Thank you. Okay. >> Yeah, no problem. >> All right. Here's a couple problems though. I'm the one of the supervisors in the city right now. If Salvation Army is hiring uniform commission law enforcement who's going to be carrying badge, gun, vest, especially not in our agency >> as far as I'm concerned. >> Let me let me just let me finish. Let me finish. >> First of all, I did not have a weapon on while I was on duty and I I was leaving. I'm off duty. I was leaving. >> Okay. >> Okay. So, that let him explain. Let him explain. Go ahead. >> So, if you're us and especially if you're a law enforcement, you understand we see a guy with detective badge, police badge. I think there's a SWAT badge somewhere. >> Yeah. on there as well, right? In our jurisdiction and we haven't been notified that, hey, uh, Salvation Army's got armed law enforcement and you, that's not true. You might have just been going from your employment to your car. However, when we came ac across you, right, you're uniformed and armed when we came across. That's an accurate statement. >> So, the concern is the concern is especially because we weren't given notification, right? >> I'm not operating. I'm not doing I'm not working. I'm not >> Well, here's here's the problem. Well, it's messy, right? >> Correct. >> Here's the problem with that. you're leaving. Even if you're leaving, >> Salvation Army, this is the number one crime hot spot in the entire city for us. >> I I know this. >> Let me I'm a retired Baltimore City. >> Okay. >> 27 years I come out here. You know what I mean? I then let me talk. I'm sorry. >> Well, well, I don't I I think we're not we're getting our wires crossed a little bit cuz what I'm trying to get you to understand is I understand you're just leaving if if you're off duty. But if you know that this is the highest crime area, right? If you know this is the highest crime area in the city and you know that that's likely to you with your law enforcement experience that we're going to be in the area, probably not the best idea to be wearing a vest, armed going to and from. >> Yeah. >> Cuz it's going to make us think some things up to up to and including possible criminal impersonation of a police officer. That's why you're detained. We get all that checked out. And you know what? this might be an error for their bosses and our bosses because if this is all true, >> right? And we weren't and and we just weren't notified that that's what could have solved this as an email saying, "Hey, just so you know, there's a guy. He's law enforcement. He's being hired off duty at Salvation Army. You may see him come and go from the parking lot." Guess what we'd say? Sounds good. We've heard nothing. >> Okay. >> Have you heard anything about this? No. Have you heard anything about this? >> So, we might have called Edmonds last night. >> Sharon, >> what? >> We might have called Edmonds PD last night. >> Yeah. Not on a payroll. >> Say it again. Yeah, >> we called events last night. >> Is it okay if I if I go through this? >> Yes, please. And then I can pull up my >> They said that's not my bag. >> That's it. >> It No, it's the uh one with the uh Gatorade, the electrolyte. Let's keep talking to uh the spare uh XPS battery. >> You sit next to the radio. It's a one with the spare FCS battery in it. It's next to where the radios are >> by the radios. Correct. Yes. >> How long have you been with Edmonds? >> Uh almost 18 months now. >> 18 months. >> Yeah. Uh so I was at Thirsten uh prior. >> Thirsten County Sheriff's Office. >> How long you at Thirstston for? >> Uh about a year. Uh so when I came I retired from Baltimore City, Maryland. Uh 4 years ago. I came out here. Um, I worked at the detention center for a little while. Um, there was they they put me in the concept center. I I didn't like it. Um, and uh I was able to uh secure a spot over at ED after getting some other certification. Um, and it's a 18month uh contract. Uh, so with the investigations, >> so you you're you're only contracted to work 18 months. >> It's Yeah, that's what it is. Yes. So, um, >> you said you've been at Edmonds for 18 months, but then you said you're only >> No, I I got another 18 months left. >> Okay. >> Okay. So, I uh did the whole the two years. >> Mhm. Um, >> that's signed on for two years. >> I have. Yeah. >> Um, I got 18 months left. >> So, you said, "Hey, this man, we'll be able to figure it out. This is so >> like I I kind of feel like this was a little bit overboard." Um, I'm respectful. I get it. You're doing your job. >> You're You're reasonable. You said you were you're retired Baltimore police officer. >> I was. Yes. Okay. So, you you and I both operate on the reasonable and standard. >> We we know. I know it. All right. >> 99 other officers witnessing this situation. Would you agree it's a little bit suspicious? >> Just a little bit. >> I I get it. Um and with everything that goes on out here, >> you know, I understand your point of view. I I'm not arguing with you. I'm not trying to be disrespect disrespectful. >> I don't think you're being disrespectful. >> I just um I'm just kind of irritated with it, right? Uh, I think it could have been done a little bit differently. >> You're irritated. >> Yeah. Uh, >> talk talk to me. >> I wasn't operating. I wasn't >> Hey, listen, man. You you you guys saw it. I I get where you're coming from. >> Um, just do your job. Just get this squared away. >> So, where are you staying while you're in Birminton? >> Sorry. >> Are where are you staying while you're in Birminton? >> Is are you on an op or something? What brings you to Breton? uh for this offduty gig. >> I live in Thirstston and Lacy. >> It's a far drive. >> It is. It's a lot. >> Why not work at Thirstston? It >> I lived there. Um we were having issues. Uh I didn't want to work in the jail anymore. >> What kind of issues? >> Dealing with the same people that we were dealing with. Um and some of the politics. >> Derek, I love him. He's a great guy. Derek >> Santis >> Santis >> the right uh when he came became sheriff a a lot of things have changed sorry >> it's right there by the radios or maybe on the table >> can we go can we go inside so >> uh we're going to hold off for now >> get my wallet and everything >> we'll we'll we'll try to find it in a second >> n it I'm it's different out here it's I'm I do things different >> how long have you known chair Sheriff Sanders. >> Um, >> Daniel, four years, man. >> Four years. >> Yeah. Uh, right before he became sheriff. >> Is this yours? >> It is. >> So, I came out looking for him. I pulled up. >> Go ahead. I don't know um if they put this in the report. So in 2015 he was involved in a SWAT incident where he barricaded himself inside and had like a whole like threat to like blow the place up. So it was like a bomb threat. SWAT was involved. They came out. He was detained and arrested in District of Columbia that was from back in 2019. He's saying that he was retired from Baltimore City Police after doing like 24 years or some [ __ ] 4 years ago which he's a convicted felon. wouldn't be retiring four years ago. >> And then he's saying um got a job out here county was only there for a short time and then he initially said he was working for Edmonds PD for 18 months >> and then he said he has 18 months left on a 2-year contract >> with Edmonds. Did he get his fireworks >> restored? I was skeptical. I just ran his >> So well so last night here's my question. I get the blinky lights and Gary Hershey being Gary Hershey's prosecutor. If if we run him, find out he's a convicted felony, he's got a Glock or whatever it is on his side. What's our >> He did not have a weapon on him last night before he had >> So he had everything right now. >> He like the holster was like off somewhere else. >> Yeah. >> And he had like the the strap with like the QLS like ability to holster one, but he didn't have the weapon on. No. Yeah, he's going to jail. 100% the right call. >> Officers also suspected he might be under the influence judging by his behavior. >> His eyes are also super super constricted and he's hella jittery. So, I don't know if he's on something probably. >> This is his car. >> The officers ran his background and found he had no driver's license and had a prior felony conviction for a 2015 bomb hoax in which he made a false bomb threat. Okay. So, tell me tell me what happened in 2015 with Baltimore PD. >> The riots are uh >> I think you know exactly what I'm talking about. >> The Yeah. Uh that's I I worked in the uh Eastern Prison. >> Mhm. >> They were f We all knew what they were doing. We We knew what was going on. Um, just a matter of time and we already had we we knew the feds were there. >> Mhm. >> Um, but you you keep your nose clean. You don't have to worry about uh >> Well, I'm talking about the offense where you were arrested in Baltimore City. >> Me? >> Yeah. In 2015, >> I was arrested. I wasn't arrested. Never been arrested. >> Never been arrested. Never once. >> Never. Never been arrested. So when I search you in our police database and your name and date of birth come back with an incident in 2015 with the District of Columbia, which is obviously Washington DC. >> That's DC. Yeah. >> Mhm. >> You said no. Take me on a right now. Never. I know what you're talking about. Okay. >> [snorts] >> He kept trying to prove the officers wrong and claimed his credentials might be in his car, but when they asked for permission to search, he quickly changed his mind. >> Uh, could we check by Can you check? >> Absolutely. If you want to if you want to search, >> you guys could do it. Go ahead. >> He's giving us consent to search. >> Look for the bag. >> Uh, where's your key? >> It's okay. Okay. >> It's a black plastic bag. It's got some Gatorade in it and it's got my wallet. I just want to confirm you're giving us the consent to search the vehicle. >> I just want to hear from you. Yes or no? Are you giving us consent to search the vehicle? >> Y'all are going to tear my vehicle apart. >> We're going to search the vehicle. >> No respect. >> We're going to We're going to We're not going to like >> No, we're done. All right. This This We're done. >> Nope. >> No. Okay. >> You're not going to tear my vehicle up? Uh No. >> Okay. Apply for a search warrant. Do what you got to do. >> I'm glad to do so. 466, please start for evidence in >> Okay, we can go out. Do you want them in this car? >> Let's remove the gear. >> Sounds good. >> Solve that problem. >> Okay. How does this come off? Is it just like the two two buttons in a zipper? >> Yeah. Yeah. And then uh you should be able to unvelcro it on the side and just take it all off. Okay. Can I have uh So I I don't have CO no more. I I uh took a test and it was negative, but I was out sick. So >> you don't have CO? >> I did had I was out. I'm not sick no more. I I was able to return back for double treatment. Uh, but my mouth is dry. >> Um, let me drink water. >> Uh, can I have a drink? >> I got you. >> No, uh, ankle holster, nothing like that. >> Sorry. >> No ankle holster. Secondary firearm. >> No, absolutely not. I'm not going to book. No weapon. No other weapons. You got everything right here. >> Is it Oh, it's a cell phone. >> Do you have anything else in your pockets? Like your wallet? I I believe I have my my date on in on this side. >> Okay. >> In this box. >> You mind if we take that out? >> Absolutely. >> Did anyone do like a full interview? >> I spoke with him. I can tell you >> how long has he been with So his boss is Jacob Stevens as in Steven Group International. So according to him, he was he's been looked into, background checked, told that he was >> He looks into everybody. That's why I said that cuz he Yeah, I don't know. >> Yeah, I'd love to hear about like the hiring if he said that he was also a police officer. >> Yeah. >> Okay, one second. I'm going up. So, he joined the group April 16th, apparently. >> You want a last sit before we dump this? >> I I would. Thank you. >> Are you >> um >> Are you still talking? >> At this time, I'm going to invoke my rights and remain silent. >> Okay. All right. Fair enough. >> We all know better. >> Fair enough. It's >> all that wildly law enforcement experience, huh? >> These are even searched, right? >> Yep. This is all the stuff. >> Okay. It's Is that your full last name? >> Yes. Walk this way, please. >> Stand right here. >> Go and take a seat. Audio and video recorder. >> Uh, real quick. Uh, can he have my cell phone or do you guys Are you guys need Who who do you want to take your slap? >> Oh, Brian. >> Okay. >> You want him to have your cell phone? >> Yeah. Can you give it to him, please? >> Sure. >> Uh um, I want him to call my wife and use it. I want to give him the passcode. >> Sure. >> Thank you, man. Yep. I'm I'm speechless. Meanwhile, the security supervisor called his wife to inform her of the arrest, and she was shocked to learn that her husband was impersonating a police officer. >> He's getting arrested. >> He's arrested. >> He's arrested. >> He's being arrested right now for impersonating a police officer. >> It's on the street. Yes. >> All right. Hey, officer Smith Bington Police. Okay. So, um he was he was walking around. He has a he had a an outer vest on, outer carrier. He had a lot of police gear, had a a full belt, fully kitted. Um his his vehicle is a new Ford Explorer outfitted with with blue lights, >> like police lights. He um is wearing police gear that has police on the back. His uniform has SWAT patches on it. and his the badge that he is wearing says Edmond's detective badge number 360. Okay, we he's I pulled up to one of our scenes. He identified himself as an Edmonds police detective that he's off duty. We called Edmond's police. He was never an officer with Edmond's police and he's acting in an official capacity as an offduty Edmonds police officer. So he's um impersonating a police officer, which is criminal impersonation in the second degree. Um he is a convicted felon and during a uh a search of his car. >> No, the initial >> Hi, this is Officer Pippen. >> I don't know where the gun was found. >> He I mean it was on his person. >> Oh, was it? >> And he's got ammunition with him as well. So, okay. >> So, he had a he had a a pistol firearm on his person um that we removed from his person. Uh ran a number. >> You have to double check. >> And uh >> it was uh obviously he's not allowed to have a firearm. So, not only is he in >> for the law I'm so sorry, sir. I I just woke up. Um >> Okay. >> So, he's being arrested for criminal impersonation and unlawful possession of a firearm. We're going to be taking his vehicle. We're impounding it uh for um evidence. So, it's going to be taken to our station. We're going to apply for a search warrant to search the vehicle and then we'll be taken to um one of the towards. He has the the information with him and it's going to be going to Kitap County Jail in Port Orchard. >> Um I'm so confused right now. Um, >> what part is confusing? >> Just this whole thing. I mean, I thought that he went to work last night. >> Does he work at Salvation Army? >> What? >> Does he work at the Salvation Army in Breton? >> No, no, he's he's supposed to be Breton Kit >> doing what? >> Well, I know he's a reserves police officer. That's what he told me. That's the work he's he's doing. He's a reserves police officer for who? >> I I'm so I don't know what >> Well, who who did he So, we called Edmonds. Edmonds says that he does not work for Edmonds. Has not they have no idea who he is. >> Okay. So, >> and they're saying that he is a reserve officer in the Breton Kitap area. So, who is he who does he say he's a reserve officer for? >> I I know he's he's contracted. That's what he's told me. And >> who is he contracted through? >> I I don't know, sir. I'm I'm so confused right now. I'm just like I said, I just woke up. I thought you were him calling. Well, we're calling from his phone, >> right? >> Yeah. >> Um I know he was with Intercom and he also was with Isiqua. >> Yeah. >> He was working for Isiqua PD >> as a reserves. But I I don't have any paperwork and I I really don't know, sir. I don't know where his his tricks are coming from. >> Okay. >> Um, what am I supposed to do? >> Uh, so he's he's going to be taken over to Kitap County Jail and that's where he's going to get booked. From there, he'll be able to make phone calls hopefully to you and um and we can you guys can go through that process then on when he can get out and uh make make bail, that kind of stuff. you can come and pick him up. And then his vehicle, like I said, is going to be taken. >> Um, can you do me a favor? >> Um, like I said, I I don't go through his phone and I don't know any of this. Um, is there an errand? Are you able to go through his phone? No, you can't do that, right? >> Not without his permission. >> I was going to call one of his god. I don't even know. He does these teams meetings with with his supervisors and stuff and I really don't know who to call right now. >> Okay. Would you would you mind if I get your info? >> How soon can you have someone call me, please? >> Um >> how soon can can we call you? >> Or I mean you took my information down. Um, will you be having someone that I can talk to? Cuz like I said, I'm >> I'm so lost right now. I have no idea. I have a state. I work for and I I need this job and I just I And the first thing that's going through my head right now is I want to lose every >> Well, from from what I understand, you didn't do anything against the law. >> Yeah. >> So, you didn't break the law. You know, I know. And I'm just like I just meant, you know, in the whole just Oh my god. I'm just >> I don't have any family here. I >> My husband is the only family I have and I just so >> Okay. So, like I said, we you can I I'll hang up with you and you can take them. You can kind of breathe a little bit. Okay. He's going to be taken to Kitap County Jail in Port Orchard. Okay. Once he goes through the booking process, he'll be able to call you and then they can arrange he'll he'll be able to get bail. He'll be able to tell you what the bail amount is and then we can arrange getting him out. Okay. >> Okay. So, I have your info and I'll give it to the primary officer. Okay. And then uh if if he needs any follow-up questions from you, he'll give you a call. Okay. Otherwise, if you want to know any updates, you can call Breton Police Department and you can request an update. Okay? All right. Supposed to take down like a reference number or anything. >> 445. Is there a case number? >> Okay. And his his phone's about to die, so I'm going to have to hang up. Okay. >> All right. >> It's at like 1%. >> Okay. You guys do security at Walmart. >> She was saying that he told her that he has been a reserve officer. not only there but at Isiqua and was coming down here to work in the Breton Kitap area as a reserve officer >> today. >> So his wife doesn't even know what he's doing today. >> Correct. >> She's his he from what she understands he told her that he was coming down here to go to work as a Breton Kits app reserve officer. >> He literally tells his wife that he's going to work to be a cop. >> Yes. And then if you want, you can take a photo, but that's that's her data. >> Officers then spoke with a Salvation Army employee who told them about the 7-Eleven incident, leaving the officer a bit in shock. >> Yeah, we're just trying to see. Hey, sir, really quick. So, the guy that has been walking around with the vest, >> police, and the Edmond's badge, he ever talked to you? >> Yeah, I talked him this morning over at 7-Eleven. >> Has he ever claimed to be a police officer to you? >> Um, yeah, he has. >> Okay. So anyway, he uh he was at 7-Eleven pushing everybody out down there this morning when I was down there. >> What do you mean? >> He tell everybody to get off the property >> at 7-Eleven. >> Yeah, at 7-Eleven. So, >> it was I I said hi to him, but he didn't say anything. He kept >> He was in in the parking lot of 7-Eleven. >> Yeah, he was. And then so I uh I talked to him and um uh I said hi to him, but he didn't say anything. And then he he talked to one of the guys was on on the ground there. >> When was that? >> This morning. >> Do you remember? >> 5:30. >> 5:30. >> Yeah. 5 Just before 5:30. >> Around that time. >> Thanks, James. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Take care. >> This dude is crazy, dude. >> Yeah, I already talked to everybody. >> He was over at 7-Eleven at 5:30 this morning trespassing people off the property. >> Uh, keep canvasing. I'm going to tell John that. Another supervisor from the security company told officers that Scalleta claimed he was working with some detectives and believed he was a legitimate police officer. >> You said you're supervisor with Stevens Group. >> Yes. So he does security for us uh here with the Salvation Army. >> Do you know how long he's been working for you guys? >> Uh I would say maybe 3 months. >> 3 months. >> Okay. >> Did he tell you that he was a commission law enforcement officer? >> Not as pronounced. He just said he did work uh he worked with the detectives or something about uh like an emergency uh response team of some sort. >> Can you use sort of vague language? >> Well, there was Yeah. >> Yeah. Yeah. I see. >> Okay. >> Oh, wow. I I don't know what to say. He was up at 7-Eleven at 5:30 trespassing people. >> Are you serious? >> Yeah. >> At 7-Eleven in the parking lot. >> Who do they have? Yeah. He's kicking them out of the parking lot. That was according to the custodian that was here. >> Custodian at the Salvation Army. So, can someone go talk to 7-Eleven and see if he's been over there kicking people off the property? >> Yeah, I'll go talk to >> Yeah, that would that would bump it up to first. >> That would make it first, too. >> Yeah. >> You hear that? >> He was up at 7-Eleven at 5:30 trespassing people. >> I know. Yeah. >> I know. >> I don't either. Hey guys. >> One of the officers went to the 7-Eleven where an employee confirmed that he had been there all night walking around talking to customers and claiming he was a police officer. >> Hi. >> Good morning. >> Did have you been here since 5:00 today? >> Huh? >> Have you been here since 5:00 today? >> I got one. Thank you. >> There was a guy in kit like this that came into the parking lot. Did you see him? >> Yeah. >> He he like kicked a bunch of people out of the parking lot here. Yeah. >> Did you see that happen? >> No. >> Okay. Cuz we're we just arrested a guy for impersonation of a police officer. >> So he's dressed like us. He's got a badge like us. >> Oh, this police guy. >> Yeah. >> He said >> he had a gun on his head. >> Yeah. He say all night he walking. >> All night here. >> Yeah. All night he's walking and around here and in this side and badge and weapon this and three four time he's come inside >> inside the store. >> Yeah. He's around purchase some drink. >> Yeah. >> And I call for one some people 24 hours. I call 911. >> Your colleague is come. He's together come >> and he say here is lot of people is arresting. I come here and extra police and this he talk. >> He he told you he was a police officer. >> Yeah, he's uniform. >> But did he did he did he actually tell you that he was a police officer? >> I don't know but two three customer talking customers there. >> He was talking to customers talking >> customers inside >> and he told them that he was a police officer. >> Yeah. >> Okay. When was that? What time was that? But he is 2 time and he I think okay last come 1 hour 2 hour ago 2 hours ago >> when you talk to the customers and told them >> yeah customer he's purchased some stuff to here waiting some customer come oh your uniform you place yeah this and I this how many years I service and I this department I service I listen talk for these guys >> thank you >> I'll come back for the camera in a second okay thank you brother take here. >> Thank you. >> Then the officer spoke with the final witness who said that Scalleta, seemingly drunk, had tried to obtain information from him, claiming he was in charge of the narcotics department. It appeared that Scalleta was trying to get drugs. >> So, I just had I had some, I guess, followup questions for you based on our conversation this morning. >> What do you mean? >> So, uh so when you were talking to that guy, >> right, this morning, right? >> Or last night, I guess. Mhm. >> Um, >> you know, so did he like when he came up to your window shining the light in and stuff like that, >> right? >> Um, did you get a feeling >> that it was one of you guys? >> Yeah. So that it was one of us out of >> Were you getting a feeling like you were being >> harassed >> like questioned during like a like a police investigation >> when you feel like you were like he was kind of like detaining you? >> Kind of lean in there. He would kind of lean in there. you know, he made a suggestion. Remember I told you, he said, "Well, you know, if I ever need something or any information, I know I can count on you." And I'm looking at this guy like, >> I can't believe I know who you are. >> Yeah. And then he said, "Uh, then he said, "Tell me about how he's going to have control of the narcotics department." >> Thank you. >> He's going to have uh patrol of the narcotics department. He's going to be running some of you guys' units. He's been promoted and he's moving up here this way. >> That's all he told me. And then I told him, man, you can't, you know, I said, I don't I don't see nothing. I don't say nothing and I don't hear nothing. You know, and then he said, well, don't worry about it. I know we got to talk later. So, I just left it at that. But then he came back knocking on my window. I said, "Man, I'm trying to go to sleep." He said, "Okay, okay." And then that's when he came back and handed me the pop. It didn't look like I needed no pop. I had Gatorade in my car. So I'm like, you know, where is he coming? What angle is he coming at me? You know, and I was really concerned >> cuz I thought he was the police. >> I mean, come on, man. When he walk away from my car, he had police, but it was so I found it odd that the letters are only about 4 in tall. >> Yeah, they weren't the bigger ones. >> No, it was like the the bottom E to the middle E. I found that kind of odd. I just didn't feel comfortable at all last night. I didn't sleep. Not to say that they weren't keeping up noise. But yeah, other than that, everything was went back to normal, but when I woke up, I was like, "Oh, cuz he told me to leave in the morning." I said, "What I got to leave for?" I said, "I get up and, you know, look at the lot, sweep the lot light up a little bit, and make sure everybody's doing what they're supposed to do, which is never." But yeah, he he was intimidating last night. He told a couple of my friends to shut up and keep walking. The last time I seen him, he was drunk as a mother. >> And he was on duty. Everybody knew he was drinking. That mother was drunk. You could smell it on his breath. You could smell it around him. >> He was drunk. But, you know, like I said, he he was he was a lot out of character yesterday for me. >> I just never seen him so aggressive and come at me so asinine. >> Yeah. >> You know, when he said to me, somebody sitting there, there's a girl there, there's a dude there, and there's a girl right there. And he says, I he said, plain as I'm saying this, hey man, I know if I need something, some information, I know I count on you, right? >> I just found that brother out like he was trying to set me up or something, >> you know? I don't know. I just >> did he make you feel like you were like being detained while you're being questioned? >> Mhm. Cuz he grouped himself into my door. >> Okay. So I >> I was trying to get I was going to get out, right? But he kind of squeezed the door a little close. I'm saying, "What does this dude want?" You know? >> So standing like right here. >> He was in my doorway. >> You didn't have an option to get out without >> I have to be awful quick and awful fast and awful thin to get past it. He left like maybe 8 in between his thigh and his and the door. >> Okay. I'm glad you guys caught him. >> So yeah, us too. >> I'm glad you guys caught him cuz he's been telling big stories. I I for stories about that mother. >> During the transport to jail, the officer asked him some pointed questions that he couldn't answer. >> Uh, Mr. Scalleta, you were convicted of it looks like a bomb hoax. >> A what? >> A bomb hoax in 2015. >> No. >> Okay. This says in 2015 you were convicted of hoax by false bomb and you were sentenced to four four months four months in prison. >> What? No. No, bro. >> Did you get your firearms right restored? >> So I'm not doing that my just adjusting. I'm just kind of I laid back on my seat. >> Yeah. >> Sorry. >> You did not get your firearms rights restored then. >> Sorry. You have not got we're we're in and broke my rights, man. Uh this is all your investigation. >> Okay. [snorts] >> I'm not I'm not trying to be a dick. I'm not Don't take it the wrong way. I just >> Okay. >> Um so what's the process now? Where are we What are we doing? >> You're going to the Kapp County Jail. >> Okay. All right. And get processed in. Uh, do I see uh do you know if I'll see a judge? >> You'll see a judge either today or tomorrow. I don't know for sure cuz it depends on what the arraignment schedule looks like. Oh, >> okay. And are these serious charges or >> two felonies? >> Two felonies. >> Mhm. >> Why what are the two felonies for? >> So what what I mean I'm just asking if that's okay. I'm not trying to be be >> um >> whatever. >> Criminal impersonation in the first degree and unlawful possession of firearm in the second. >> Uh criminal impersonation uh the first degree. >> Yes. Correct. >> That's a felony. >> Yes. >> I thought it was a misdemeanor. >> Criminal impersonation the second is a misdemeanor. >> So how did it turn to first degree? Uh, it turns out you were taking significant law enforcement action >> where >> at the at the 7-Eleven. >> I I was taking action. >> Yes. There's actually two things that I know of so far. One is that you were kicking people off the property at 7-Eleven and taking trespass enforcement. And two, you're interviewing one of the local transients about a suspicious death at the Salvation Army. >> What? >> Yep. >> And all right. Okay. Oh my goodness. A suspicious death. Hey, if you don't mind, like where did that information come from? >> From all the people we just interviewed. >> When was the last time you used? >> I don't use. Why you say that? >> Because I think you're high. >> You think I'm high? >> I think you're high. >> Okay. That's your opinion, man. As a matter of fact, Mr. My theory is that this whole pretend to be a cop thing down in Salvation Army is a opportunity for you to seize drugs from the local transient people. That's what I think. I think that's how you're obtaining illegal drugs. >> Yeah. No, not never. >> Really easy, right? >> I I've never made I've never enforced that. I'm a security. No, never. I've never done anything like that, dude. >> Cuz you were asking that guy last night over on the street if he had any drugs. You >> shaking him down. >> I've never No. Absolutely not. >> Said you were shaking him down with the flashlight and asking about illegal drug use over on the street, not even in the Salvation Army property. Display that. >> Yeah, that is a complete lie, but no. >> Okay. That is not not true. >> What's What's that guys? >> Absolutely not. There's cameras on property, bro. Like everywhere I go when I do my rounds. >> Absolutely not. >> I don't make I'm No, man. >> You didn't turn on your body camera last night, >> huh? >> You didn't turn on your body camera at all last night? >> Why would I? I'm not I'm not it's not the only time I turn on the body camera if like there's an incident to where it needs to be documented. >> Okay. No guy if he has illegal drugs and ask you question about >> No. No. Absolutely not. >> Yeah. You wouldn't record that? >> No. And I'll give you permission to check my body camera. >> Oh, okay. >> I I I I will You know what? >> I believe you didn't turn it on. I've never shook nobody down. I've never made contact physicalwise. I'm I chat with everybody, man. >> I tell them, "Don't they got No, absolutely not. You're trying to get me riled up. >> I'm not trying to get you riled up. >> That is >> I don't have anything by trying to make you upset. I don't get anything but I'm talking to you, man. Listen, I know I that is completely not true. You believe what you want. Um I don't shake nobody down. I don't enforce. That's not No, they No. Absolutely not, man. >> When I first contacted you, why did you say your name was Mezzi? >> That's my name. That's what I go by. >> That's your legal name? for tonight or something. Okay. It's not your legal name. >> He was booked into Kitap County Jail on charges of firstdegree criminal impersonation and secondderee unlawful possession of a firearm. The next day, his wife called back. Initially, the day before, she hadn't seemed willing to cooperate, likely still in shock, which the officers found understandable. This time, she shared some important new details about his house of lies. >> My name is Jean Scaletta. >> Yeah, this is Sergeant >> Sergeant Green with the Bton Police. >> Hi. >> Hi. >> Thank you for calling back, sir. >> Yeah. How can I help you? >> A little bit about the situation. Um, >> yeah. Um, so I I went, you know, into um my husband's room, you know, where he keeps all his equipment and stuff. >> Okay. >> So, I just wanted to let you folks know that I did find two pistols. Um, and I'm I'm willing to let you folks come. I'm trying to be as cooperative I can especially like because of my job and um you know I'm on a schedule like for someone to come by and and pick it up and if there's anything else you folks need or got to look through what folks need. >> Um where where were these firearms kept? >> Um so I found them in a cabinet. Um it's like a filing cabinet. It's unlocked. Um there is a safe and I was irritated because um you know like he left it open. I don't think there's anything in the safe. I just don't know how to open it. So I'm just letting you know in advance when if you know when an officer comes here and you see the safe. >> Okay. >> So there is a a small little safe you know like those for like um it's like a I don't know like a 12 by 12 like those little ones. >> Yeah. >> Or like jewelry. I think like the the hotel ones. So, I was going I was just about to like I didn't set up an account to communicate with my husband. So, I you know, since that one phone call that he was allowed yesterday, um you know, I was going to message him and ask him for the code to open it so I can have it open for just letting you know like, >> okay, >> there's a safe out there. I don't know how to open it. When Corporal asked me SJ, you know, about his didn't know how to answer and I just I know it sounds really stupid. >> Yeah. Well, you're you're surprised. It's just, you know. >> Yeah. I'm just trying to let him I was just I thought that, you know, I was just being a good wife, letting him, you know, he didn't need to work, but he wanted to work. And this was something I thought he liked doing, you know. >> Mhm. >> So, you know, I'm just finding out all of this now. And like I said, I I don't when I went in this room, I I didn't know where to look. >> Okay. >> I didn't know what I was looking for. >> How long have you guys been married? >> Not long. Um 2023 March. >> Okay. Do you know him to be a convicted felon at all? >> No. So we went over that yesterday and you know like this corporal established that you know all that stuff that happened in Maryland was before we met and you know I didn't know anything and you know it just didn't make sense because okay so the thing is like I'm the bread winner in a family. I have the state job. I I have to monitor the bills. So I you know whatever shopping he needs [sighs] equipment that he and so we went to like KP gun works you know this just and like I just figured everyone's doing their due diligence and background checks you know he's got this he worked for intercon security at the transit and he was like a from what I understood I thought he was like a manager or supervised transit manager and then he switched over to another company called Steven Group International Tactical Security or something. >> Yeah. >> So, I see the income coming in and it's for like those companies. Like when we did our tax returns, you know, I left it to him to be responsible and go get the W2s that he needs. So, I thought everything was legit. And >> did he use his name for the guns or were they under your name? >> I'm sorry, sir. Did he buy the firearms under his name or your name? >> Um, so every, you know, I was just like the wallet, >> you know, and everything. I just let him handle it cuz I don't understand any of like this kind of stuff, you know. I >> Where where did he buy the guns from? Or at least a gun that you know. >> So, a gun. I just know that one of the places that we went to was KP Gunworks in Lacy or Olympia or something. I >> Okay, >> I can I can look it up, but that's the only one I know of. >> Do you know if he was able to take a gun home that day or did you have to do a waiting period? >> Oh, there it was like a waiting cuz it was official. >> Um I'll have to figure out who and when and how, but >> um probably a search warrant is probably going to be required. >> Okay. >> Um just for legality purposes. So, I'm gonna >> I'll try to get a hold of people. just leave him there. Um, if for some reason if for some reason he gets released over the weekend, please >> I Yeah, I don't think he's going to be released. I I you know, we already went over like the bonds thing. I I don't you know, I don't know if you knew all this, but I I I talked to somebody, but I don't have the collateral to put up for it. His mom doesn't want anything to do with it, you know. Um, and she she lives on the East Coast. She's in Maryland. >> Okay. >> So, it's just me. We have no family. like my dad can he passed away from cancer. I had to go back to Hawaii for his funeral and >> this was in um April. So I'm here. It's just me and I'm left with the you know the German Shepherd and his cat here are supposed to be emotional support animals. >> Yeah. >> And I'm I'm left to take care of all this and I'm I'm like I said I'll do whatever able to be cooperative. Like I said, um I already know like when I saw this social media and the news, I'm just I'm scared for my job just like the attention that it's going to bring. >> Yeah. >> I um one of his friends coworker that he used to work with at Intercon had got in touch with me and he said the news station had tried to call him. Like I I don't even know how they like I'm glad they don't know about me yet, but people are calling his co-workers. [laughter] >> Yeah, they they they had our apartment surrounded today, too. So, >> all right. Well, we we'll keep in touch. Okay. >> All right. So, thank you so much, >> Sergeant Green Hill. Talk to you later. Okay. Byebye.