Man Sentenced for Impersonating Officer, Demanding Massage

The former Illinois police officer also demanded $200 for the fake business inspection, according to OC authorities

A man accused of impersonating a police officer at a Lake Forest massage parlor, where authorities said he demanded a massage because his firearm holster was hurting his back, was sentenced Wednesday to six months in jail and three years of probation.

Edward Justin LaPorte, a 48-year-old Mission Viejo resident, was wearing a silver police badge on his belt and a firearm in a shoulder holster in January 2011 when he entered Golden Spa massage parlor under the guise of a business inspection, according to Orange County prosecutors. He demanded a massage and $200 from the manager as part of the fake inspection, according to authorities.

LaPorte had been a police officer, but not since he was a member of the Arlington Heights (Ill.) Police Department from 1997 to 2001.

He pleaded guilty to one felony count of second degree commercial burglary, two misdemeanor counts of misrepresenting oneself as a peace officer, and one felony count each of having a concealed firearm and carrying a loaded firearm in public.

During his visit to the massage parlor, LaPorte appeared to inspect the business and write notes before taking off his clothes as he waited for the masseuse, according to the Orange County District Attorney's office. During the 30-minute back massage, the Golden Spa manager contacted the city's business licensing department.

The manager refused to pay the $200 demanded for the "inspection," and a member of the licensing department encountered LaPorte as he left the business. The licensing inspector wrote down LaPorte's license plate number, leading to the arrest.

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