Annie Flaherty, a woman from Broward County, has been arrested for allegedly pretending to be a Miami-Dade police officer conducting a fake investigation into stolen diamonds. Flaherty, who is facing a third-degree felony charge for impersonating a law enforcement officer, has not yet been assigned an attorney, and it remains unclear whether she has entered a plea.
The Incident
On April 4, Broward County police responded to a call from an Oakland Park home where the occupants reported a suspicious encounter captured on their Ring camera.
The next-door neighbor, later identified as Flaherty, allegedly knocked on the door of the residence while wearing a police-style badge on her hip. Flaherty claimed to be investigating the theft of three stolen diamonds and identified herself as a Miami-Dade police officer.
Flaherty allegedly told the homeowners that she was looking for someone named Eva, but when the occupants informed her that no one by that name resided there and that they knew nothing about stolen property, Flaherty reportedly told them that she would obtain a search warrant for their home before leaving.
Further Alleged Impersonation
Flaherty allegedly moved on to another nearby home, where she again introduced herself as a government official and reiterated the fake diamond investigation. However, when questioned by police, Flaherty admitted to identifying herself as a government official but denied ever specifying that she was from Miami-Dade police.
Arrest and Release
On April 7, Flaherty was arrested and posted a $1,500 bond for her release from the Broward County Jail. As part of her pre-trial release, she is required to submit to a mental health evaluation within 10 days and is barred from returning to the locations of the incidents.
It is unclear when Flaherty will have her next court appearance.
