MONMOUTH COUNTY – A Tinton Falls man has been indicted for being a felon and having a firearm, as well as showing fake credentials while impersonating a federal law enforcement agent, state officials said.
Wesley Rucker, 36, is charged by indictment with one count each of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, false impersonation of an officer of the United States, and possession of imitation federal law enforcement credentials.
According to officials, Rucker, who is a previously convicted felon, sought medical treatment in the emergency room of a hospital in Red Bank on October 22, 2021. While administering medical assistance, hospital staff noticed observed a handgun in Rucker’s waistband.
Rucker told hospital staff, and later local police, that he was a federal law enforcement officer and showed fraudulent credentials falsely identifying Rucker as an employee of the Drug Enforcement Administration.
As a previously convicted felon, Rucker is not permitted to possess a firearm under federal law, officials said.
Rucker faces carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for possessing of a firearm by a convicted felon. Additionally, the count of false impersonation of an officer of the United States carries a maximum penalty of three years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The count of possession of imitation federal law enforcement credentials carries a maximum penalty of six months in prison and a $5,000 fine.
U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger credited special agents of the ATF, Newark Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Bryan Miller, with the investigation leading to the charges and arrest. He also thanked the Red Bank, New Jersey, Police Department for their assistance in the investigation.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
