Man Pretends To Be Cop, Demands Money, Gets Arrested: Police

CROTON-ON-HUDSON, NY — A Westchester man was arrested for allegedly pretending to be a cop. State police said Marcelo A. Abila, 41, of Croton-on-Hudson, was charged with first-degree criminal impersonation of a police officer and fourth-degree attempted grand larceny, both felonies.

Troopers were called to the Woodybrook area of Cortlandt for a report of a man claiming to be a police officer demanding money.

An investigation found that Abila, who was wearing an "NYPD" baseball-style cap, knocked on the victim's door and claimed to be a Croton police officer, police said.

The victim said Abila demanded money.

After refusing to give the man any money, the victim called the state police.

Abila was arraigned in the Town of Cortlandt Court and sent to the Westchester County Jail in lieu of $2,500 bail or $5,000 bond.

He is next scheduled to appear in court Dec. 6.

Get Ossining-Croton-on-Hudson Patch’s daily newsletters and news alerts right in your inbox. Find and “Like” Hudson Valley Patches' Facebook Pages.

Photo caption: Marcelo A. Abila. Photo credit: NYSP.