Yaphank, NY - February 28, 2017 - Suffolk County Police have arrested an East Patchogue man for impersonating a FDNY lieutenant when he was pulled over for a traffic stop.
Sixth Precinct Community Support Unit Officer Keith Liere pulled over a 2002 Mercedes Benz for vehicle and traffic violations on County Road 101 and Long Island Avenue in Yaphank on February 25 at approximately 7 p.m. The driver, Richard Geller, handed the officer a FDNY lieutenant shield and identification that the officer determined was false.
Geller, 56, of East Patchogue, was charged with Criminal Impersonation 2nd Degree and Possession of a Forged Instrument 3rd Degree. He was issued seven additional summonses for various vehicle and traffic law violations. Geller will be arraigned at a later date.
A criminal charge is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.