By Chris Caraveo
David Heppler (MCSO)
Sheriff’s deputies arrested a man earlier this year for allegedly impersonating a law enforcement official, according to a release.
MCSO Special Investigations Detectives charged David Heppler, 40 of Waddell, with two felony counts of impersonating a peace officer.
The arrest followed a search warrant executed at Heppler’s residence off of community tips that he had acted as a sworn deputy.
According to a release, investigators found a large amount of badges, police clothing, hats, patches, guns, bullet proof vests, tasers, radios, scanners, handcuffs, duty belts, uniforms and other tactical items.
MCSO Special Investigations became aware of Heppler through his social media activities on Facebook and Nextdoor Cortessa. Cortessa community leaders alerted detectives that Heppler continually referenced himself in posts as being involved in law enforcement.
Detectives found Heppler’s profile pictures and wall pictures on his personal Facebook page were photos of MCSO Patrol vehicles, MCSO SWAT vehicles and MCSO helicopters. A large majority of the images he posted included his security badge showing in some form. He detailed all the arrests he supposedly made, clearly misleading people to believe he was law enforcement. His law enforcement posts numbered in the hundreds, according to the release.
“This office has zero tolerance for this kind of behavior,” Sheriff Paul Penzone stated in the release. “Not only does it endanger the community, it’s offensive to the women and men in law enforcement who truly put their lives on the line to protect us all.”
An incident occurred Feb. 8 when Heppler and a female resident attempted to conduct their own investigation into the female’s stolen cell phone.
The female had seen her phone for sale on the app Offer Up. Heppler offered to set up a “buy” with the sellers.
Two teenagers, 13 and 15, were involved. They told MCSO Detectives that Heppler and another man “came out of nowhere like ninjas,” one wearing a duty belt with a gun and flashlight, and had a badge. According to the suspects, Heppler flashed his badge, identified himself as being undercover, and told the teens the phone was stolen and they needed to give it to him.
The teens told deputies the second “sheriff” stood there while Heppler threatened arrest several times, but never did. They told deputies they were scared and would have done whatever Heppler asked because he had a gun and was very angry. Heppler took photos of both juveniles. Officials did not charge the second person as he did not participate in the confrontation.
Heppler once attempted to enter the ballot for the Cortessa HOA Board, claiming himself an MCSO deputy officer of nine years and working in law consultation business.
“David Heppler has never been a Deputy Sheriff or a Detention Officer with MCSO,” the release stated. “He was with the MCSO Posse for one year and nine months, hired on Jan. 31 2001, and terminated on Oct. 25, 2002 after he was arrested for impersonating a public servant posing as a reserve Deputy Sheriff. David Heppler was never a peace officer in the state of Arizona but owns Southwest Consulting and Protection that appears to be a security company. He also had security guard licenses that are now all expired.”
Officials interviewed Heppler after executing the search warrant. He admitted to contacting the juveniles in the phone incident and threatening them with arrest. He admitted to wearing a badge during contact but denied having a firearm. He also admitted to posting all of the online statements in regards to law enforcement and agreed his statements would cause someone to think he was a police officer.
Heppler was released on bond and his next court appearance is pending.
Waddell is an unincorporated town in Marciopa County south of Surprise and west of Loop 303, between Bethany Home Road and Peoria Avenue.
MCSO detectives are still investigating this case to determine if there are additional victims or witnesses to these crimes. If you are a victim or know of a victim call MCSO at 602-876-1011.
