JAMES CITY COUNTY — A 31-year-old James City County man was sentenced to 36 months in jail Wednesday after pleading guilty to unlawfully detaining juveniles while falsely identifying himself as a James City County Police officer in October 2023.
James City County Police Department received a call on the evening of Oct. 12, 2023, from a “concerned individual” who reported he had detained two juveniles for suspicious activity and claimed to be an off-duty police officer. He did not specify a jurisdiction.
Upon arrival, officers learned that the caller was Cody Hardin, who had detained the juveniles. The responding officer promptly released the children to their parents.
Police added at that time, the responding officer was not aware that the caller had claimed to be an off-duty officer, nor were they aware that the caller identified himself to the parents of the juveniles as a James City County Officer. Upon learning about the James City County impersonation claims, officers initiated an investigation.
Following the investigation, police charged Hardin with unlawfully detaining individuals while impersonating a law enforcement officer and secured warrants for his arrest.
Hardin is not, and has never been, a James City County Police Officer, the department said.
At approximately 9:20 p.m. on Oct. 14, 2023, officers executed the arrest warrants and took Hardin into custody at his residence in the 3400 block of Colony Mill Road. Police also seized his vehicle as evidence. He was subsequently transported to the Virginia Peninsula Regional Jail.
On Feb. 5, Hardin was sentenced to 36 months in jail following his guilty plea to charges stemming from the October 2023 arrest, according to the county. Hardin was sentenced to 24 months, with 12 months suspended, for two counts of Impersonating a Law Enforcement Officer and an additional 12 months for Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor.
The James City County Police Department cautions impersonating a law enforcement officer is a serious offense that undermines public trust and safety. If anyone suspects someone is impersonating an officer, they should:
- Call 911 immediately to verify the individual is a legitimate law enforcement officer.
- If being stopped by an unmarked vehicle, drive to a well-lit, public location before pulling over.
- Look for official markings such as a badge, uniform, and department-issued identification.
- Remain in the vehicle and request the officer’s name and agency.
- Report all suspicious encounters to local law enforcement as soon as possible. Trust your instincts.
Anyone who has any concerns or needs to verify an officer’s identity should call 911.
