Criminal Impersonation now a ‘gross misdemeanor’ in Lacey

A person is guilty of criminal impersonation in the second degree if the person claims to be a law enforcement officer or creates an impression that he or she is a law enforcement officer...”

RCW 9A.60.045

The Lacey City Council unanimously approved Ordinance 1656, making criminal impersonation a gross misdemeanor within the city limits.

During the council meeting on February 20, City Attorney Matt Sharp presented the need for an update to Ordinance 499, which dates back to 1978.

Sharp, also serving as the city prosecutor, said the ordinance update aligns with recent legislative changes recognizing criminal impersonation as a gross misdemeanor under state law.

“This ordinance would allow local prosecution of criminal impersonation as described under the amendment,” said Sharp.

Under RCW 9A.60.045., Criminal Impersonation in the second degree is considered a gross misdemeanor.

The discussion shed light on the necessity of the ordinance update, with Lacey Chief of Police Robert Almada emphasizing recent incidents. Such as a case where an individual impersonated him, defrauding a resident of $5,000 over a telephone call.

Responding to inquiries from Councilmember Nicholas Dunning regarding the application and potential ambiguities of the updated ordinance, Sharp clarified that each case would be examined on its own merits.

The police chief stressed the need for a comprehensive evaluation of the circumstances surrounding instances of impersonation, citing examples like individuals falsely claiming veteran status for personal gain.