A Westchester dogwalker has been arrested for impersonating an FBI agent at Rye Playland, officials reported. This is not the first time the man has faced charges for making false claims to law enforcement.
John Fiore, 47, was observed on July 4 wearing an FBI badge and informing individuals that he was a federal agent injured in the line of duty. When approached by two undercover Westchester County police officers, Fiore presented his badge and stated he had been shot. He reportedly removed a knee brace to display what he claimed was a wound.
Fiore also allegedly told the officers that his dog was a K-9 unit that had also been shot and had killed their assailant. However, the officers became suspicious. After Fiore departed, an employee provided the officers with Fiore's business card for a dogwalking service.
Investigators were unable to find any record of an FBI agent matching Fiore's description involved in a shooting, a dog's involvement in neutralizing a suspect, or any shooting incident that aligned with his story.
This incident follows Fiore's arrest in May for allegedly lying to police about being shot in the knee by an unknown assailant. That report was also determined to be fabricated.
During the investigation into the May incident, authorities searched Fiore's home and discovered multiple illegal firearms, stolen psychedelic mushrooms, and bags containing a white powder.
Fiore was taken into custody by the undercover officers. He is accused of felony criminal impersonation and is scheduled to appear in Rye City Court. His attorney could not be reached for comment.