Florida Woman Detained for Pretending to Be a Police Officer

OAKLAND PARK, FLA. – On the evening of Saturday, April 4, a woman was apprehended for allegedly impersonating a law enforcement official while asserting she was investigating a jewelry theft on NE 6th Terrace. Annie Flaherty was taken into custody following reports from several neighbors who said she was displaying a badge and threatening to return with search warrants.

According to police documentation, Flaherty visited multiple residences, presenting herself as a law enforcement agent. She purportedly stated she was looking for three stolen diamonds and a person named “Eva,” all while wearing a Miami-Dade Corrections Super Bowl edition badge.

Homeowners Rodrigo Santos and Aldenice Cardoso first noticed suspicious behavior after receiving notifications from their Ring security camera at their property located at 5810 NE 6th Terrace. They informed investigators that Flaherty was standing at their front door, visibly showing a police-style badge attached to the right side of her hip.

During the encounter, Flaherty identified herself as being with the “Miami-Dade Police” and said she was searching for someone named “Eva” in relation to the stolen diamonds. When the residents said they did not know anyone by that name, Flaherty warned she would come back with a search warrant for their home.

Flaherty then moved on to a nearby house. The occupant, Silvia Valesquez, told deputies that Flaherty asked about the stolen diamonds while displaying the badge on her hip. Valesquez stated she had no information about any stolen items.

Deputies subsequently found Flaherty at her own home. When requested to show the badge, she produced a Miami-Dade Corrections Officer LIV Super Bowl edition badge.

Flaherty was arrested and is now facing charges of impersonating a law enforcement officer.