PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — A 64-year-old man was arrested after authorities say he pretended to be an undercover cop to avoid a background check to rent a property.
Florida Department of Law Enforcement officials said they received information from a local real estate agency that William Milstead was attempting to lease a residential property. Milstead allegedly provided a falsified letter to the rental associate, saying he was an undercover agent working "off-grid" and he couldn't undergo a background check, according to a news release.
"Due to the nature of the work he performs, his personal security would be at risk if leaked or falls into the wrong hands," the letter reads. Milstead also allegedly wrote that his background information is clear of any charges or convictions.
The department said he has 13 prior felony arrests, including arrests in 2002 and 2016 for impersonating a police officer.
The letter also lists when he supposedly started in the department, his current yearly income, and how he is just three years shy of his 20th year with FDLE. It states that the real estate agent should make an exception to limit the background and credit check and "rely solely on this letter from the FDLE and State of Florida."
"The FDLE keeps a close eye on its agents, and I can certify that William Dennis Milstead is a very reputable individual and would be a great complement and an outstanding citizen to any community that he may reside in," it read.
Mistead was booked into the St. Lucie County jail on Nov. 13.
