The Marion County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help to identify a man who is allegedly impersonating a law enforcement officer.
On November 3, 2023, a man went to a home on Water Trak. He was wearing a protective vest and rang the doorbell, according to the sheriff’s office.
When the homeowner/victim did not answer the door, MCSO stated that the man called out to the victim and falsely identified himself as “Detective Nichols.”
Later that same day, in the Countryside Estates subdivision located near the 4200 block of NE 34th Court in Ocala, a “person of similar appearance” who was wearing “what appeared to be a Sheriff’s Office shirt” approached a woman. The person then asked the woman if she had “seen a missing little girl” before walking away, according to MCSO.
In both instances, the citizens were concerned and suspicious about their interactions with this individual, and they filed a report with the sheriff’s office.
“This person DOES NOT work for us and we need your help identifying him,” MCSO stated on its Facebook page.
According to the sheriff’s office, this individual may drive a white SUV, and he may have ties to Citrus County.
If you have any information on this man’s identity, or if you have had a similar interaction with somebody who may have been pretending to be a law enforcement officer, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office asks that you call 352-732-9111.
Anyone wishing to remain anonymous can call the Crime Stoppers of Marion County at 352-368-STOP (7867) and reference 23-62 in your tip, or click here to submit an online report. If you use Crime Stoppers and your tip leads to an arrest, you may be eligible for a cash reward.