Easton Police charge man for impersonating police officer
EASTON, Md. – Easton Police have arrested a man for reportedly impersonating a police officer.
According to police, on February 4th, Richard Browning V applied to the Easton Police Department for a police officer position as a Certified Police Lateral. In his application and resume, Browning reportedly told investigators that his current employer was the U.S. Marshal Service and that he previously worked for the U.S. Capital Police and served in the Army for eight years. Additionally, he reported that he graduated from the Eastern Shore Criminal Justice Academy in June 2024.
On February 19th, Browning came to the Easton Police Department for applicant testing, during which he allegedly provided several documents to include a Military DD-214, Certificate from the Eastern Shore Criminal Justice Academy, a Special Deputation Oath of Office Authorization and Appointment form from the U.S. Marshals, Social Security card, and a few other documents. After testing, Browning left the Easton Police Department.
Investigators then launched an investigation after discovering that some of the documents appeared to be incorrect. They contacted the Eastern Shore Criminal Justice Academy, who informed investigators that Browning never attended the academy. Investigators then contacted the U.S. Marshals Capital Regional Fugitive Task Force, who confirmed that Browning was not deputized by the U.S. Marshals, and the document he provided was false. Further investigation showed that the Military DD-214 was altered, and the Social Security number provided did not belong to Browning.
On Wednesday, Browning was taken into custody at the Easton Police Department. A search and seizure warrant was executed on his vehicle, and detectives found a U.S. Marshal badge and a loaded handgun.
Browning was subsequently charged with perjury, impersonating a police officer, public record – destroy, two counts of false statement to office, display government ID of another, possession of false government doc, and five counts of forgery. He was later released to the custody of the Talbot County Detention Center.
