Homeland security looking for additional victims of fake U.S. marshal

Special agents with Homeland Security Investigations are asking the public’s help to identify possible additional victims in an investigation involving a person who was impersonating federal officer.

William Gilchrist, 45, of Greenville, Mississippi, was indicted by a federal grand jury July 19 in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana for impersonating a deputy United States Marshal.

According to court documents, on or about June 19, Gilchrist falsely assumed and pretended to be a Fugitive Task Force officer with the U.S. Marshals Service. Upon being interviewed, Gilchrist admitted to conducting traffic stops and making arrests in two different vehicles. Gilchrist’s statements have revealed that there may be multiple other victims.

He has been charged with impersonating a federal officer and a convicted felon in possession of a weapon. When he was arrested, he had a vest with a “Gilchrist” name patch, a “Fugitive Task Force” patch, a black Glock handgun with holster and ammunition, a Pulse taser, handcuffs, a wallet badge saying Fugitive Recovery Agent Operations Commander and a Fugitive Task Force United States Marshal badge.

Anyone who has encountered a blue 2010 Chevrolet Silverado or white 2023 Chevrolet Silverado is urged to contact HSI at HSINewOrleansTips@hsi.dhs.gov.

Gilchrist faces a sentence of up to three years of imprisonment, up to one year of supervised release, up to a $250,000 fine and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

HSI, with the assistance of the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, investigated the case. HSI encourages the public to report any suspicious activity through its toll-free tip line at 877-4-HSI-TIP.