NATCHEZ — Officials say a 65-year-old Natchez man has been arrested for reportedly flashing a badge and impersonating an officer after he rear-ended a driver in October.
Natchez Police Lt. Craig Godbold tells The Natchez Democrat Joe Fortenberry allegedly pulled out a badge claiming he was a sheriff’s deputy after he hit a vehicle while in the drive-thru line on Oct. 9.
An Adams County Sheriff’s Office spokesman says Fortenberry was given an honorary deputy’s badge by a sheriff prior to Sheriff Chuck Mayfield taking office. Honorary deputies are not deputized and do not have the authority to arrest anyone.
Fortenberry was charged with impersonating an officer, a misdemeanor, and later released on a $726 bond.
It was unclear whether Fortenberry has an attorney.
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