CAMDEN, N.J. – A Camden County, New Jersey, man previously convicted of multiple felony offenses, including robbery, burglary, and aggravated assault, was indicted today for unlawful possession of a handgun and possessing fake law enforcement officer credentials, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Federal officials say. Me. Warren E. Shelton, 53, of Chesilhurst is charged with one count of unlawful possession of imitation badges, identification cards, and other insignia prescribed for use by officers of a department or agency of the United States, and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Police say he will be arraigned at a later date.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Law enforcement authorities learned Shelton had designed and acquired counterfeit Department of Homeland Security, Federal Protective Service (FPS), credentials and business identification cards, falsely representing that he was employed as a special agent with FPS.
During a court-authorized search of Shelton’s home in May 2018, investigators located and seized counterfeit FPS credentials, business identification cards, and a badge falsely representing that Shelton was employed as a special agent and authorized to carry a weapon and enforce federal laws.
They also located a Colt .45 caliber handgun and ammunition along with two blank guns that resembled real firearms.
As a previously convicted felon, Shelton is prohibited from possessing a firearm. Shelton was charged by criminal complaint on May 7, 2018 with being a felon in possession of a firearm and has been detained since.
Shelton faces a maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 for the firearm offense.
He also faces up to six months in prison and fine of up to $5,000 for possession of the counterfeit FPS credentials and badge.