South Florida

South Florida Man Pleads Guilty to Impersonating Federal Officer

A Florida man has admitted to lying about being a federal law enforcement agent and army sergeant who earned a Purple Heart medal.

The South Florida Sun Sentinel reports 28-year-old Simon Emilio Zablah pleaded guilty to multiple counts including impersonating a federal officer.

Prosecutors say Zablah went AWOL from the U.S. Army about two weeks after he enlisted in Jan. 2005.

Investigators say he told people he was a veteran, an agent for the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and a member of the U.S. Department of Defense.

According to court records, he often wore a military uniform that got him special treatment including free meals.

A U.S. District Judge will sentence Zablah early next year.

His lawyer declined to comment to the newspaper on Thursday.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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