Three people who are members of a bizarre ‘police force’ claiming links to the Knights Templar have been charged with impersonating cops.
When the Los Angeles County Sheriff's department raided two addresses linked to the 'Masonic Fraternal Police Department’ they found weapons, badges, uniforms, and police-type vehicles.
David Henry, 46, Tonette Hayes, 56, and Brandon Kiel, 36, were arrested on suspicion of impersonating peace officers.
Henry was also arrested on suspicion of perjury under oath, and Kiel of misuse of government identification.
It has also emerged that Kiel is an aide to California Attorney General Kamala Harris.
The authorities said law-enforcement agencies across southern California started receiving letters from the group, which features pictures of skulls and a sinister-looking altar on its website, in January requesting meetings with local police chiefs.
The sheriff's department said suspicions were aroused when members of the ‘MFPD’ could not answer basic questions about their jurisdiction or mission, reports NBC.
The members claimed to be descendants of the 3,000-year-old Knights Templar, a wealthy and powerful Christian military order that operated between the 12th and 14th century.
Some Freemasons use Templar symbols and rituals and there is a Christian masonic order called the Knights Templar, who claim to defend the faith.
"Detectives conducted a thorough investigation in collaboration with several law enforcement agencies and determined MFPD was not a legitimate police agency," the sheriff's department added.
The MFPD’s website states: "The Masonic Fraternal Organization is the oldest and most respected organization in the ‘World'.
"Grand Masters around the various states are facing serious safety concerns for their Jurisdictions and their family members.
"The first Police Department was created by the "Knights Templar's" back in 1100 B.C.
"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! We are born into this Organization our bloodlines go deeper then an application. This is more than a job it is an obligation."
Stay informed. Subscribe to our newsletter
The Standard Group Plc is a
multi-media organization with investments in media platforms spanning newspaper
print operations, television, radio broadcasting, digital and online services. The
Standard Group is recognized as a leading multi-media house in Kenya with a key
influence in matters of national and international interest.
join