BROWARD COUNTY, FL - A former Spirit Airlines flight attendant was arrested after allegedly impersonating a police officer and claiming that she was chasing down stolen jewelry.
The incident happened on Saturday, April 4, according to an arrest affidavit reviewed by PEOPLE. Around 8:00 p.m. local time, deputies with the Broward County Sheriff's Office responded to a residence in Oakland Park after residents reported their suspicions involving a "subject impersonating a law enforcement officer."
The residents told police they received a Ring camera notification, and when they accessed the live footage, they found their neighbor, 37-year-old Annie Flaherty, standing at the front door. They said she displayed a "police-style badge" on the right side of her hip, according to the affidavit.
Flaherty claimed she was a member of the "Miami-Dade Police" and further stated she was conducting an investigation regarding three stolen diamonds. The residents said she was looking for an individual named "Eva."
After telling Flaherty they did not know anyone by that name and didn't have any information regarding potentially stolen property, she claimed she would be obtaining a search warrant for the address. She then went to a neighboring residence, where she once again displayed the badge and asked about stolen diamonds, according to the affidavit.
Police responded to the suspect's residence. When questioned by police, Flaherty said she had been instructed by an individual who works for the FBI to conduct a "training exercise" involving contacting neighbors about stolen diamonds.
When asked if she identified herself as "Miami-Dade Police" personnel, she reportedly denied doing so. The arrest affidavit states that the alleged suspect then admitted to using her boyfriend's old Miami-Dade corrections officer badge during the incident.
She turned over the item, revealing to police a Miami-Dade Corrections Officer LIV Super Bowl edition badge. Flaherty was arrested and transported to the Broward County Sheriff's Office main jail for processing.
Flaherty faces one felony charge of impersonating law enforcement. During questioning, she told police she worked as a Spirit Airlines flight attendant.
The incident happened on Saturday, April 4, according to an arrest affidavit reviewed by PEOPLE. Around 8:00 p.m. local time, deputies with the Broward County Sheriff's Office responded to a residence in Oakland Park after residents reported their suspicions involving a "subject impersonating a law enforcement officer."
The residents told police they received a Ring camera notification, and when they accessed the live footage, they found their neighbor, 37-year-old Annie Flaherty, standing at the front door. They said she displayed a "police-style badge" on the right side of her hip, according to the affidavit.
Flaherty claimed she was a member of the "Miami-Dade Police" and further stated she was conducting an investigation regarding three stolen diamonds. The residents said she was looking for an individual named "Eva."
After telling Flaherty they did not know anyone by that name and didn't have any information regarding potentially stolen property, she claimed she would be obtaining a search warrant for the address. She then went to a neighboring residence, where she once again displayed the badge and asked about stolen diamonds, according to the affidavit.
Police responded to the suspect's residence. When questioned by police, Flaherty said she had been instructed by an individual who works for the FBI to conduct a "training exercise" involving contacting neighbors about stolen diamonds.
When asked if she identified herself as "Miami-Dade Police" personnel, she reportedly denied doing so. The arrest affidavit states that the alleged suspect then admitted to using her boyfriend's old Miami-Dade corrections officer badge during the incident.
She turned over the item, revealing to police a Miami-Dade Corrections Officer LIV Super Bowl edition badge. Flaherty was arrested and transported to the Broward County Sheriff's Office main jail for processing.
Flaherty faces one felony charge of impersonating law enforcement. During questioning, she told police she worked as a Spirit Airlines flight attendant.
For corrections or revisions, click here.
The opinions reflected in this article are not necessarily the opinions of LET
Comments