Man Poses as State Department Contractor and Impersonates Police Officer at Loop Protest
A Matteson man, Willie Mathews, has been arrested on charges of armed violence, false personation of a peace officer while armed, aggravated unlawful possession of a weapon, and forgery with intent to deceive after he allegedly openly carried a firearm while dressed as a police officer at a protest in the Loop last week.
According to prosecutors, Chicago police officers spotted Mathews near a group of protesters on South Michigan Avenue wearing khaki cargo pants and a black shirt with “POLICE” printed on it. He also had a backpack with police patches, a gold badge, handcuffs, and a loaded handgun holstered at his waist.
When questioned by the police, Mathews presented forged documents claiming he was a State Department contractor and a sworn peace officer working with the State Department and Illinois State Police to monitor protests and police behavior. The documents included a fake letter on U.S. Department of State letterhead, an ID card labeled “United States State Department Police,” and a business card from “Operation Menace Society.”
However, federal agents confirmed that the documents were fraudulent and that the State Department does not hire individuals to monitor protests. While Mathews had a valid Firearm Owners Identification (FOID) card, he did not have a concealed carry license.
Mathews appeared before Judge James Costello and was detained on Sunday afternoon.
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