COLUMBUS, Ohio — A federal jury has convicted a Westerville man of impersonating a federal law enforcement officer and making an unlawful arrest after he pulled over a woman at gunpoint with her minor child in the car.
Brendan Conklin, 45, was found guilty following a trial that began May 4 before U.S. District Judge Algenon L. Marbley.
According to court documents and trial testimony, Conklin drove a former police SUV equipped with police lights and pulled over the victim in December 2023 shortly after she left her Westerville home. He pointed a firearm at her, wore a vest with badges and insignias suggesting he was law enforcement, and told her he was a federal officer. He also had an illegal license plate registered to Columbus police headquarters.
Conklin handcuffed the victim and placed her in his vehicle — then accidentally locked himself out with her still inside. Blendon Township officers had to respond to let her out.
After calling the Columbus Division of Police’s non-emergency line to inquire about a warrant, Conklin told the victim it was her “lucky day” and released her.
Court documents also revealed that Conklin had previously registered a nonprofit called the Ohio Fugitive Apprehension Program, or O.F.A.P., listing Columbus police headquarters as its address. His internet search history from winter and spring of 2023 included “how to determine if a us marshal is legit,” “us marshals fugitive task force badge” and “fake federal license plate.”
Conklin was indicted by a federal grand jury in January 2026.
Each charge — impersonating a federal officer and conducting a search or arrest while doing so — carries a maximum sentence of three years in prison. Sentencing will be scheduled at a future date.