Three individuals, including an aide for California Attorney General Kamala Harris, have been arrested after claiming to represent the fake organization, ‘Masonic Fraternal Police Department.’
Brandon Kiel, 36, David Henry, 46, and Tonette Hayes, 56, were all arrested last week on suspicion of impersonating a police officer after Los Angeles authorities discovered the trio had created a fraudulent police department, complete with weapons, badges, uniforms and patrol cars.
According to Daily Mail, the suspects claim to be descended from the Knights of Templar and were running the organization to protect Masonic interests. In letters the group wrote to various law enforcement agencies, they told officers they had jurisdiction in 33 states and Mexico City.
The MFPD told California police that they had been “in existence for 3,000 years.”
Kiel, who is also accused of misusing his government ID, is an aide to state Attorney Kamala Harris. He is currently on administrative leave. The department has made no comment regarding his arrest.
An investigation began once letters were sent to police chiefs in California stating that the organization had new leadership, with Kiel becoming the “Chief Deputy Director.” There were also phone calls made in order to set up personal meetings with the police.
Sheriff’s Capt. Roosevelt Johnson played a big role in exposing the MFPD when he met with the group and noticed they could not answer basic questions about the organization. He says they could not properly explain their jurisdiction or mission. According to the group’s website, their age sets them apart from regular law enforcement agencies.
The website says, “When asked what is the difference between The Masonic Fraternal Police Department and other Police Departments the answer is simple for us. We were here first! We are born into this organization our bloodlines go deeper then an application. This is more then a job it is an obligation.”
It continued to say, “We support all law enforcement agencies. Our mission is to preserve the integrity, honor and legacy of our Founding Fathers, Masonic Organizations, all Grand Masters and their Constitution/By Laws.”
Detectives from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Station have confirmed the MFPD is a fraudulent organization. When two address associated with members of the MFPD were raided, police found badges, ID cards, uniforms and police-type weapons. Local authorities believe the trio were “attempting to deceive individuals in the community…for a purpose yet to be determined.”
The trio have since been released after being arrested on Thursday.
