PHILADELPHIA—Michael Alvaro, 37, of Philadelphia, PA, was charged today by Indictment with impersonation of a federal officer, impersonator conducting a search, and possession of unregistered firearms, announced United States Attorney Zane David Memeger. The indictment alleges that on or about November 17, 2014, Alvaro identified himself as a federal law enforcement officer of the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), and assisted in the detention of another person and search of that person’s vehicle. The indictment also alleges that on May 12, 2015, Alvaro identified himself as a federal law enforcement officer of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) in order to gain access to a secured area of an Amtrak derailment. The indictment further alleges that Alvaro unlawfully possessed unregistered firearms.

If convicted the defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of 29 years in prison, possible fine, special assessment $500, up to three years of supervised release.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Denise S. Wolf.

An Indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.