Sacramento Man Sentenced for Impersonating an FBI Agent

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A Sacramento man was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kimberly J. Mueller to eight months in prison for impersonating an FBI agent, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.

“By pretending to be a FBI agent, Mr. Arushanov boldly exploited the trusted relationship the FBI has with the communities we serve,” said Special Agent in Charge Sean Ragan of the FBI Sacramento Field Office. “All FBI agents carry badges and credentials to aid identification and a call can be placed to the FBI or their local law enforcement agency to verify a claim that a person is a FBI agent on official business. Most importantly, please call 911 immediately if you feel you are in danger.”

According to court documents, on Feb. 11, Daniel Arushanov, 27, entered a Red Roof Inn in Sacramento and identified himself to the hotel clerk as a special agent with the FBI. Arushanov claimed to be involved in an investigation into underage prostitution and demanded to see a guest list for the hotel. When asked to show his badge, Arushanov refused and instead told a hotel employee to call the FBI. Arushanov left after the hotel employee called the FBI to report the incident. One of the hotel employees later identified Arushanov as the individual who posed as an FBI agent. Arushanov was arrested for impersonating a peace officer.

This case was the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Shea J. Kenny prosecuted the case.