From left, Brandon Kiel, 36, Tonette Hayes, 56, and David Henry, 46. The three were arrested and accused of operating a rogue police force. (Courtesy of Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department)
An aide to California Attorney General Kamala Harris has been arrested along with two others for allegedly operating an illegitimate "police department" that traces its origins to the Knights Templar.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department announced that the three suspects were taken into custody last week on suspicion of impersonating police officers through their roles in the so-called Masonic Fraternal Police Department.
Among them is Brandon Kiel, 36, who has worked as deputy director of community affairs at the California Department of Justice -- which is led by Harris, also a Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate. Kiel was arrested on suspicion of misusing his government ID.
A spokeswoman at the department told FoxNews.com on Wednesday that Kiel is now on administrative leave.
"We cannot comment on the ongoing personnel matter or criminal investigation," the spokeswoman said in an email.
The Masonic Fraternal Police Department, while not a recognized law enforcement arm, maintains it has existed for 3,000 years and claims jurisdiction in 33 states and Mexico.
The Los Angeles Times reported that suspicions about the group's presence in California were aroused when local police chiefs got a letter in January announcing its new leadership. A man claiming to be Kiel reportedly called law enforcement agencies to schedule meetings.
According to the Times, investigators found badges, weapons and other law enforcement materials when they searched two sites. Also arrested were Tonette Hayes, 56, and David Henry, 46.
The group's website claims it is linked to the ancient Knights Templar.
The site says: "When asked what is the difference between The Masonic Fraternal Police Department and other Police Departments the answer is simple for us. We were here first!" It claims to be part of a special jurisdiction located with Santa Clarita, Calif. -- while stressing they are not part of the "sovereign citizens" movement.
Bump for later
This is one big load of horse shat some policemen are masons but they don’t have there own police force nor do they police themselves this is a conspiracy group load of crap !
Heard something about this on the local news. Weird story. What is this about?
We are not Sovereign Citizens nor do we condone terrorist activity, sovereign citizens or clandestine!
they protest too much!!!
This group is to Freemasonry what Westboro Baptist “Church” is to Christianity. BOGUS.
Almost sounds like a “Propaganda Due” type of thing.
I have to call BullS*** on this. As a Past Master of a Masonic Lodge as well as a 32 degree Mason and member of the local Scottish Rite and York Rite groups I can say I have NEVER heard of Masonic Police Force or any claim of a police group being descended from the Knights Templar.
TOLD YA !
....charged with running fake police force under authority of Knights Templar
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/3287252/posts?page=1
“The Masonic Fraternal Police Department, (M.F.P.D.)”
Does that stand for.....Mo Fo Police Department?
IOW it is not an official group recognized by others.