This Man Got Arrested For Impersonating A Federal Agent Online and Was Sentenced to 6 Years in Prison
Just because you see something on the interwebs does not make it real. We all know that, right?
This little tidbit of advice even goes for social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok.
In fact, it probably goes double for posts and profiles on social media. You have to be really careful.
There was recently a dude on TikTok who claimed to be a federal agent.
In case you aren’t aware of how the law works, it’s illegal to claim you are a federal officer if you aren’t.
“Rey Reeves” told the world of TikTok that he worked for the Department of Homeland Security, and people believed him. He even had nearly 10 thousand followers on the social media platform.
Reyel Devon Simmons — his real name — looked and acted the part pretty darn well.
According to the Department of Justice, District of Minnesota, Reyel would make TikTok videos wearing full law enforcement gear.
At no time has Simmons ever been employed by the United States Department of Homeland Security. Similarly, Simmons has never been a sworn law enforcement officer with any federal, state, or local agency, nor has he ever had the authority to act on behalf of any federal agency or department.
U.S. Department of Justice
There was a pretty official looking badge that he would show on his videos. I mean, he had a badge, why WOULDN’T people believe him?
Reyel also apparently liked to flash around firearms, and he would straight up tell his followers that he worked for the United States Department of Homeland Security.
Because Simmons has a prior felony conviction in Colorado, he is prohibited under federal law, from possessing firearms, ammunition, or explosives at any time.
U.S. Department of Justice
Dude was crossing a pretty dangerous line. The government doesn’t play.
How Did “Rey Reeves” Get Caught?
Insider reported that a woman, known as B.A., is the one who sold poor Reyel down the river.
This woman actually filed a complaint with the FBI back in September.
She claimed that she met “Rey Reeves” on none-other-than TikTok in February of last year.
The two had a romantic relationship which started online. Gotta watch out for those on-line relationships! You just never know.
“Rey” and B.A. even did some traveling together. They crossed state lines, traveling from her home in Georgia, to Minnesota.
The pair stayed at several hotels in the Minnesota area.
During their time at these hotels, Reyel told B.A. that the DHS was picking up the tab, since he was “working undercover.”
Does anyone else wonder if he actually ended up paying for his rooms? I mean, OBVIOUSLY the DHS wasn’t footing the bill.
Reyel would wear his “law enforcement” outfit while they were together. He even carried around a “go bag” that was supposedly from the DHS.
He told the woman he previously was a Navy SEAL and showed her a photograph of him in what appeared to be military gear.
Insider
Get this. I find it hysterical, but maybe that’s just my weird sense of humor.
Simmons carried around a radio, and acted like he was using it. I’m picturing a walkie talkie. B.A. assumed he was talking to other federal agents over the radio.
Spoiler Alert: He wasn’t.
[Reyel] was sentenced to 72 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for impersonating a federal officer and illegally possessing firearms as a felon, announced United States Attorney Andrew M. Luger.
U.S. Department of Justice
