Florida man arrested twice in one week for impersonating a police officer to avoid $2 toll

A Florida man is back in jail after impersonating a police officer just days after he was arrested for the same thing, sheriff’s officials said.

LeRoy Stotelmyer, 60, was arrested 11 March after investigators got a tip from a toll attendant who captured video of the man in the act.

The video showed Stotelmyer flashing a law enforcement badge twice on 11 March to avoid paying a $2 toll, an FCSO Facebook post said. 

On-duty officers are allowed to pass through tolls free of charge, officials said. 

A toll booth attendant told investigators that Stotelmyer flashed his silver badge at him, and he, in turn, showed the man an article about his recent arrest. 

He said Stotelmyer put away the phony badge and paid the toll.

Stotelmyer was arrested on 9 March on charges of impersonating an officer and shoplifting. 

Pictured: A 2008 file photo of a toll booth operator taking payment. A toll booth attendant (not pictured) told investigators that Stotelmyer flashed his silver badge at him, and he, in turn, showed the man an article about his recent arrest

Then, on March 11, he was charged with felony violation of pre-trial release and impersonating an officer.

‘This guy clearly has not learned his lesson and has no respect for the law,’ Sheriff Rick Staly said. 

‘Two days after his release and he is already up to his old tricks. 

‘We know already that he thinks he can get out of shoplifting and paying tolls with his fake badge, I am happy we were able to get him back off the streets before something more serious occurs. 

‘He thinks he wants to be a cop, now he gets to see what it’s like to be an inmate.’