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The Stone County Sheriff's Department recently became suspicious of a local man who claimed to be retired law enforcement. In fact, he had assisted officers with local traffic stops. However, criminal background checks revealed that he had actually served time in prison, and had never served as any type of law officer. KSMU’s Theresa Carter reports.

(KSMU's Matt Evans also contributed to this report.)

Misdemeanor charges were filed this week against Mark E. Sager, who goes by the name ‘Maverick’, for impersonating law enforcement in Stone County, Missouri. Sager had been residing at Indian Point Marina on Table Rock Lake, and was known for telling stories of his alleged life as a retired agent with the US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Sager had been known to assist local law enforcement with traffic stops using his personal vehicle equipped with police lights and a two-way radio. In addition, Sager carried firearms and handcuffs.

The Stone County Sheriff's Department did not become suspicious at first, as Sager appeared no different than any other legitimate retired individual at Indian Point Marina. Captain Tim Gideon, of the Stone County Sheriff's Department, explains what caused them to become increasingly suspicious of Sager.
 

"He was docked at Indian Point Marina. When we first met and talked with him, he told us who he was, and no one thought to discredit him at that time. Until later, when he put lights on his car and would get his gun out. Retired officers typically don't do that. That is when we did a background check and found out who he was."

According to the Kansas City Star, criminal background checks revealed that Sager had previously served time in prison for the murder of a 14 year old girl when he was just 17yrs old. He was paroled in 1985. Stone County Sheriff's Department is currently working with other agencies to learn more about Sager’s past. Gideon explains.

"At this time we are actively working with local and federal agencies, as well as Springfield and Kansas City, to see if there is anything else on him."

Sager was released on bond this week as this case continues to be investigated.

For KSMU news, I’m Theresa Carter.
 

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