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In April 2012, detectives from the Bureau of Criminal Investigations initiated an investigation regarding information that a subject had been involved in a relationship with a female residing in Mechanicsville, Maryland and had identified himself as a Baltimore County Police Officer Detective throughout the relationship. A joint investigation by St. Mary’s County BCI and Baltimore County Police Department resulted in the subject being subsequently identified as Donald J. Church, age 31, of Dundalk, Maryland. Church had used multiple alias’ in the past.

During the investigation, it was determined Church had identified himself as a Baltimore County Police Detective in St. Mary’s County and Charles County and had been observed wearing police style clothing with police logos emblazoned on the back and sleeves including a police badge and credentials, Church was also observed wearing a concealed handgun and holster.

Baltimore County Police Department verified Church was not employed by their agency, had been arrested several times for similar offenses and was currently on probation after a conviction for impersonating a police official.

On May 15, 2012 Church was located at his residence and placed under arrest without incident. A search of his residence resulted in the recovery of several police related items.

Church was charged with Impersonating a Police Officer, Wear, Carry and Transport Handgun and incarcerated in the St. Mary’s County Detention Center under a $7,500 bond.

During the investigation no evidence was obtained indicating Church had conducted any vehicle stops or detained any persons while impersonating a police officer.