A state Justice Department employee was among three people arrested for allegedly operating an underground police force in California.
Brandon Kiel, 31, of South Los Angeles, was charged with seven counts of impersonating a police officer and is on administrative leave, SignalSCV.com reports.
“We cannot comment on the ongoing personnel matter or criminal investigation,” California DOJ spokeswoman Kristin Ford said.
During a raid last week, federal investigators found badges, police ID cards, weapons and uniforms.
The suspects declared the Masonic Fraternal Police Department to be a sate agency.
Kiel has worked with the California DOJ since July 2013 as the deputy director of community affairs.
What’s unclear is whether the trio ever performed law enforcement activities, such as pulling over cars and conducting raids.
