§ 913
Impersonator making arrest or search
Official text prohibited actmental stateif conditionpenaltylegal term
Whoever falsely represents himself to be an officer, agent, or employee of the United States, and in such assumed character arrests or detains any person or in any manner searches the person, buildings, or other property of any person, shall be or imprisoned not more than three years, or both.
History: (June 25, 1948, ch. 645, 62 Stat. 742 (PDF, 39 MB); Pub. L. 103–322, title XXXIII, §330016(1)(H), Sept. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 2147 (PDF, 52 MB).)
Simplified explanation
It is a federal crime to falsely claim to be a U.S. officer, agent, or employee and, while pretending, arrest or hold someone or search a person, building, or property.