In January 2025, 34-year-old Hank Glembin from New Berlin, Wisconsin, was charged with two counts of identity theft and two counts of impersonating a peace Patrol Agent.

Prosecutors allege that Glembin posed as a U.S. Border Patrol agent on two separate occasions, approaching local police officers while dressed in a fake uniform and carrying fraudulent identification.

First Encounter: Muskego, January 25

On January 25, a Muskego police officer was attending to a deer that had been hit near Racine and Cardinal when Glembin arrived in a green Ford pickup truck. He offered assistance, introducing himself as an off-duty Border Patrol agent. The officer observed that Glembin wore a black hat with “CBP” in yellow letters, a black jacket, khaki pants, a green duty vest, and a black duty belt. His attire also displayed labels such as “DHS,” “CBP-BPA,” and “Agent H.D. Glembin.” He was equipped with a handcuff case and a firearm that appeared authentic. Additionally, he had a white light on one shoulder and a red light on the other. Glembin presented an ID card labeled “Department of Homeland Security” featuring his photo. Despite the officer declining his help, Glembin proceeded to move the deer into a ditch without being asked. Subsequent investigations revealed that his uniform did not match official U.S. Border Patrol attire.

Second Encounter: New Berlin, January 29

On January 29, a New Berlin police officer had stopped a vehicle near National and Fountain Square due to registration issues. Glembin arrived in his pickup truck, parked ahead of the stopped vehicle, and approached the officer. He was dressed in a green tactical vest with a patch reading “agent” and a black hat with “CBP” inscribed. He mentioned he had just finished his duty and inquired if the officer needed assistance. As he departed, the officer noticed a “Border Patrol Unit” patch on the back of Glembin’s vest. Upon consulting with a U.S. Customs and Border Protection special agent, it was confirmed that Glembin was not a federal agent and that the agency was aware of his impersonation activities.

Arrest and Admission

Later that evening, police conducted a high-risk stop of Glembin’s truck near Sun Valley and Sunny Slope. He was found wearing a “US Border Patrol” baseball cap, a green tactical vest with a border patrol patch, and a black jacket. He also had handcuffs on his belt and a silver gun holstered on his right hip. Upon arrest, Glembin admitted that he was not a Border Patrol agent but expressed a desire to become one. He confessed to approaching officers in both Muskego and New Berlin while armed and dressed in the fake uniform. He also acknowledged showing falsified credentials to the Muskego officer and agreed that it was reasonable for the officers to believe he was an agent.

Legal Proceedings

Court records indicate that Glembin is scheduled for a hearing on February 13. On January 31, the court issued a $2,000 signature bond for his release.

Potential Motivations and Implications

While Glembin expressed a desire to become a Border Patrol agent, his actions raise concerns about the ease with which individuals can impersonate law enforcement officers. Such impersonations can undermine public trust and pose significant safety risks. Authorities are likely to investigate further to determine if there were any underlying motives or if Glembin had engaged in similar activities previously.

Community Response

The incidents have prompted discussions within the community about the importance of verifying the credentials of individuals claiming to be law enforcement officers. Residents are advised to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behavior to local authorities.

Conclusion

The case of Hank Glembin serves as a reminder of the potential dangers associated with impersonating law enforcement personnel. It underscores the need for continuous training and awareness among officers to identify fraudulent individuals and protect public safety.