A former Albemarle County animal control employee was convicted February 13 of impersonating a police officer as a result of an incident that occurred last July. William D. Maiden, 46, was found guilty of the misdemeanor and ordered to pay a $250 fine, although he will avoid jail time.
Maiden was driving on I-64 on July 7th when Robert Lent accidentally cut him off, causing Maiden’s pickup truck to swerve into the median. Lent says Maiden then followed his car and motioned for him to pull over to the side of the road. Maiden had his red dashboard light on and was wearing his animal control uniform, which resembles those worn by law enforcement officials. After Lent eventually pulled over, Maiden approached his car and asked for his driver’s license. Maiden returned to his vehicle, recorded the information, and then let Lent and his son leave.
Judge William G. Barkley ruled that Maiden did misrepresent himself as a police officer. Maiden was released from his position at animal control several months ago. According to Lent, William Maiden and his attorney, Fran Lawrence, have appealed to circuit court.
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