July 15, 2025 #1 Local News, Information and Event Source for the Century City/Westwood areas.

Couple arrested for fake ‘Masonic Fraternal Police Department’

(Thinkstock)
(Thinkstock)

Two men and a woman were arrested on suspicion of impersonating police officers, the sheriff’s department announced Tuesday, but detectives have not determined their motive.

According to the sheriff’s department, letters from the “Masonic Fraternal Police Department” were sent to chiefs of various Southern California law enforcement agencies in late January, advising them that David Henry had been elected as chief.

The agencies then began receiving calls from an individual who identified himself as Chief Deputy Director Brandon Kiel, requested a meeting with each agency’s chief.

Detectives from the sheriff’s department became involved when a meeting was scheduled with Capt. Roosevelt Johnson of the sheriff’s Santa Clarita Valley Station.

During Johnson’s meeting, his suspicions were aroused when they could not answer questions about the Masonic Fraternal Police Department’s jurisdiction and overall department mission.

The group claimed they were descendents of the “Knights Templar” and their agency had been in existence for 3,000 years. It claimed sovereign jurisdictions in 33 states and in Mexico.

Sheriff’s detectives conducted an investigation in collaboration with several other law enforcement agencies and determined the Masonic Fraternal Police Department was not a legitimate police agency.

Search and arrest warrants were served Wednesday in the 28000 block of Linda Vista Street and the 17000 block of Sierra Highway, both in Santa Clarita.

Henry, 46, and Tonette Hayes, 56, both of Santa Clarita and Kiel, 36, of Los Angeles were arrested. Badges, identification cards, weapons, uniforms, police-type vehicles and other law enforcement equipment were found in the search.

Henry was arrested on suspicion of perjury and impersonating a police officer, Hayes on suspicion of impersonating a police officer and Kiel on suspicion of impersonating a peace officer and misuse of government identification.

Investigators also believe other individuals may be associated with this bogus department, authorities said.

Related Posts

Beverly Hills Plans Major Apartment Development Near Civic Center

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

The site, currently holding 13 residential units, is slated for demolition to make way for the new development A proposal...

Federal Judge Sides with Santa Monica, Other Local Governments Against Immigration Raids

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

Santa Monica Mayor Lana Negrete praised the ruling, saying it reaffirmed the city’s commitment to protecting residents from unjust detention...

California Hits Two-Thirds Clean Energy Milestone

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

This year, clean energy has powered the state for an average of seven hours daily, with over 90% of days...

Miami Developer Seeks to Convert Century City Apartment Tower into Condos: REPORT

July 14, 2025

July 14, 2025

If approved, the property at 10000 Santa Monica Blvd., known as Ten Thousand and built in 2017, would mark the...

Santa Monica Assault Suspect Faces Multiple Charges, Authorities Seek Additional Victims

July 14, 2025

July 14, 2025

Marbra allegedly assaulted a 52-year-old woman on the Strand in Santa Monica, facing a felony count of assault with intent...

Veterans Tech Group to Launch Los Angeles Chapter with Networking Event

July 14, 2025

July 14, 2025

Founded in San Francisco, VetsInTech operates 20 chapters nationwide and claims more than 60,000 veterans VetsInTech, a national nonprofit that...

Elvis’ TV Legacy in Beverly Hills to be Explored in Upcoming Event

July 13, 2025

July 13, 2025

The session will feature rare clips from the Paley Archive, including Presley’s debut TV appearance, his 1968 Comeback Special, performances...

Holmby Hills Parcel Once Owned by Pioneering Film Director Lists for $25.5M

July 13, 2025

July 13, 2025

The lot is situated across from the Playboy Mansion and just moments from The Spelling Manor A 1.66-acre parcel of...

County Health Leaders Decry Federal Policy Barring Undocumented from Programs

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

The officials argued the policy jeopardizes care for all residents, noting it could deter people—regardless of status—from seeking treatment  Leaders...

County Supervisors Move to Preserve Measure J Amid Charter Error

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

Measure J mandates that at least 10% of the county’s locally generated, unrestricted funds be allocated to community investments like...

Sen. Ben Allen Highlights Challenges, Economic Gains for LA28 Olympics

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

The remarks came during the first informational hearing of the Senate’s Special Committee on International Sporting Events State Sen. Ben...

Mayor Bass Issues Directive to Protect Immigrant Communities

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

The order expands access to city resources for affected families and requests records from ICE, including details on arrests Mayor...

Billy Wilder Theater to Screen Housing Struggle Short Films with Q&A

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

The program includes works by community organizers and filmmakers addressing housing struggles from LA to D.C. A free film screening...

(Video) Summer Camp at School of Rock West LA Turns Kids Into Rockstars

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

To Sign Up Now, Go To Schoolofrock.com Summer Camp at School of Rock West LA Turns Kids Into Rockstars To...

Chinese Bakery Hi Bake to Open First U.S. Store in Beverly Hills: REPORT

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

Hi Bake will offer a fusion of French and Asian pastries, including croissants filled with molten chocolate or wagyu beef...