Man pretended to be a cop for rent discount, say police

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Friday, August 22, 2008

A Lawrenceville man was jailed this week for allegedly furnishing outdated police and military credentials to avoid a traffic ticket and score a discount on rent.

Reginald Lamar Finley, 40, is wanted on charges impersonating a police officer and theft by deception.

Recent headlines:

   • Gwinnett County news

Gwinnett police say Finley spun a tale about being a Chattanooga Police officer who just returned from military duty in Iraq when he was pulled over Wednesday for having an expired tag.

The officer who stopped Finley’s 1999 Ford Expedition on Live Oak Parkway around 1 a.m. also discovered Finley’s vehicle had no insurance and its registration was suspended. Finley claimed he had been stationed overseas, unable to renew his tag or registration, according to Gwinnett police spokeswoman Cpl. Illana Spellman.

Finley allegedly presented a Chattanooga Police Department identification card and badge. However, the officer checked and learned that Finley no longer worked for the department.

“It’s my understanding he left there back in the 1990s,” Spellman said.

Finley also claimed to work for a task force in Georgia, but police were able to confirm that Finley was not a law enforcement officer, Spellman said. As for his military credentials, Spellman said it appeared Finley was enlisted at one time. However, the military ID he presented was expired. It was unclear if he was ever overseas.

Police seized a handgun, nylon belt and holster, handcuffs and T-shirt with “police” written on it from Finley’s vehicle, as well as his Chattanooga police badge and ID.

After Finley bonded out of jail Wednesday, police discovered he lied about being a police officer to get a discount on his rent, Spellman said.

Finley has since been slapped with additional charges of impersonating a police officer and theft by deception.

“If you don’t have [current police] certification you are no longer a police officer, you’re a civilian, and if you present yourself as one you’re breaking the law,” Spellman said.

Police said Finley was still at large on Friday morning.

Related Subjects

Inside AJC.COM

Movie openings

"Cadillac Records" sings a familiar tune led by Beyonce portraying Etta James.

Cookie of the day

Chocolate-tipped butter cookies premieres today in our baker's dozen of goodies.

"Wonderful Life" Quiz

What did George wish for when he entered the drug store? Test your knowledge.

Weekend web fares

With more than 25 cities, the weekend travel deals are here. Example: NYC for $69.

Grammy nominations

Ludacris and Sugarland are some of the local acts who received Grammy nods.

A Christmas Story Quiz

How well do you know the cult holiday classic? Be careful or you will shoot your eye out.

Atlanta Holiday Guide

It's always a wonderful gift, so here are 10 books to give these holidays.

One-tank trip

Selma, Ala., is home to gracious architecture, large oaks and a beacon of history.

A Charlie Brown Quiz

Do you know what TV show was pre-empted to show this holiday classic? Test yourself.

Search AJC Archives

1985 to present     1868 - 1939 Advanced search

Kudzu.com services Find the right people for the job

Keyword     Business Name

AJCPets » The community for Atlanta pet lovers

Do Good Search for non-profit causes near you