News

Ex-con who allegedly impersonated an officer charged for assault rifle possesion

Published August 15, 2018 4:21 PM

Felony charges were filed today against an ex-con accused of possessing a large-caliber rifle, as well as law enforcement gear indicating that he might have posed as a police officer to commit crimes in the Hemet area.

Geovanny Misael Landeros, 24, was arrested Saturday following a Riverside County sheriff’s parole compliance check at his residence on Fruitvale Avenue in Hemet.

He’s scheduled to make his initial court appearance this afternoon at the Banning courthouse on charges of possession of an assault weapon and being a felon in possession of a firearm, as well as parole violations.

Sheriff’s Sgt. Walter Mendez said that while deputies were searching the defendant’s home Saturday morning, they allegedly uncovered evidence that he had been engaged in impersonating law enforcement officials.

Along with a badge and other wearable gear, deputies discovered that Landeros’ 2015 white Mercedes-Benz “was equipped with red-and-blue flashing LED lights” affixed to the front windshield, in the same way an unmarked police vehicle might be outfitted, the sergeant said.

“Investigators believe Landeros may have used these items to commit … crimes or contact unsuspecting victims (while) posing as a law enforcement officer,” Mendez said. “These crimes may have gone unnoticed by a potential victim.”

Anyone who believes they may have been victimized or can provide information related to the investigation was asked to contact sheriff’s detectives at (951) 955-1700.

Landeros, who’s being held in lieu of $1 million bail at the Smith Correctional Facility in Banning, has prior convictions for assault resulting in great bodily injury, vandalism and driving on a suspended license, court records show.