A Wisconsin man has been charged with identity theft and impersonating a peace officer after authorities say he was caught posing as a U.S. Border Patrol agent twice within a single week.
According to the Waukesha County District Attorney’s Office, prosecutors charged 34-year-old Hank Glembin of New Berlin with two counts of identity theft and two counts of impersonating a peace officer following incidents in January where he allegedly claimed to be a U.S. Border Patrol agent.
The criminal complaint, obtained by FOX 6 Milwaukee, details that on January 25, a Muskego police officer was responding to a deer struck by a truck when Glembin approached and offered assistance. When the officer asked if he was with the Muskego Department of Public Works, Glembin responded, “I’m off duty right now. I’m with Border Patrol.”
The officer observed that Glembin was dressed in a black hat with “CBP” stitched in yellow, a green duty vest over a black jacket and khaki pants. He also reportedly presented an ID card reading “Department of Homeland Security” with his image. Despite being told public works would handle the situation, Glembin moved the deer into a ditch “unprompted.”
An investigation determined that his uniform did not match official U.S. Border Patrol attire.
Days later, on January 29, Glembin approached a New Berlin police officer during a traffic stop, again dressed in the same uniform. According to the complaint, Glembin told the officer he had just “gotten off duty” and offered to help. As he walked away, the officer noted the words “Border Patrol Unit” on the back of his vest.
New Berlin police consulted with a U.S. Customs and Border Protection special agent, who confirmed that Glembin was not a federal agent and that the agency was aware of his impersonation.
Later that evening, Glembin was taken into custody. Investigators determined all his gear was fraudulent. While in custody, he admitted he was not a Border Patrol agent but claimed he wanted to become one. He also acknowledged approaching both officers in Muskego and New Berlin while wearing a fake uniform and displaying false credentials.
Prosecutors further noted that Glembin’s clothing featured multiple fraudulent identifiers, including “DHS, CBP-BPA and Agent H.D. Glembin.” Additionally, he carried a handcuff case and a gun, which “appeared legitimate,” along with a white light mounted on one shoulder and a red light on the other.
Glembin is scheduled for a hearing on February 13 and was issued a $2,000 signature bond by the court, according to court records.
