Lannon man accused of flashing fake FBI badge at police officer held on $1,000 bond

WAUKESHA COUNTY, Wis. (CBS 58) -- A Village of Lannon man made his first court appearance Tuesday, July 7 after being accused of impersonating an FBI agent to a Lannon police officer on Saturday, July 4.

Jeffrey Wertz, 39, faces a felony charge of impersonating a peace officer and a misdemeanor for driving on a revoked license, according to a criminal complaint.

The complaint states a Lannon officer was monitoring traffic on W. Main Street at around 4:30 p.m. on Saturday when Wertz parked in front of her car, approached her window, held up a gold FBI badge, made a comment about the holiday, then got back in his car and drove away.

The officer ran his plate and found his license was revoked, according to the complaint.

An FBI special agent confirmed to Lannon police Monday, July 6 that Wertz does not work for the FBI, the complaint states.

When taken into custody, Wertz told authorities he showed the badge to "make her feel comfortable," according to the complaint. The badge was later found in his closet during a search warrant.

A court commissioner set cash bond at $1,000.

"The facts in here give me grave concern. Impersonating an FBI agent allegedly is a very serious offense. It's further alleged that you impersonated that officer to a bona fide officer, which is also even more concerning," said Commissioner Alina Flink.

Wertz does not yet have an attorney and does not financially qualify for a court-appointed public defender. He told the commissioner he plans to pay his bail soon. His next hearing is in two weeks.