Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SATURDAY, November 13, 1993                   TAG: 9311130220
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: C1   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: TODD JACKSON STAFF WRITER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

FAKE OFFICER HELPS GRANDSON IN SWINDLE

Roanoke police Lt. Ronnie Carlisle said Brian Sprouse of Adams Street Northwest was charged with abduction, extortion and impersonating a police officer. Also arrested was Samuel Muse, 18, the grandson of the victim, charged with being an accessory to abduction and extortion.

Police said Sprouse and Muse work at the same security company.

A man, driving a vehicle of the same make and model as local police use, arrived at Samuel Hughes' residence on Center Avenue Northwest at 11:30 a.m. Friday and identified himself as a police officer.

Showing a security badge, the man presented a fake warrant for Hughes' arrest in connection with an auto accident.

The man then told Hughes and his wife they could pay him $520 and no arrest would be made.

While his wife went to the bank, Hughes was put in the back of the unmarked vehicle and driven around the area until his wife returned.

Hughes then was released.

Irate family members, incensed that a police officer took advantage of Hughes, called the Roanoke Police Department.

Detectives - acting on a tip from a member of the Hughes family - made the arrests Friday night.

Police located the car, which was carrying much of the same equipment that is used in regular law-enforcement vehicles, including various antennas and flashing lights.

Hughes could not be reached for comment Friday night.