GILBERT, AZ — An FBI impersonator is charged with trying to extort money from a Gilbert bar owner.
Gilbert police report that on March 6, they arrested Dallas Anthony Michaels, 41, at his home near Ironwood and Ocotillo roads in San Tan Valley.
Michaels is accused of going to the home of a Gilbert bar owner, posing as an FBI agent by wearing an FBI badge around his neck and carrying a handgun. Michaels allegedly told the bar owner that his business was going to be raided because a bartender had sold drugs to an undercover DEA agent.
He also reportedly said that the bar owner was under investigation for racketeering and was facing 25 years in prison. Michaels then offered to "mitigate his exposure" if he was given $40,000.
The bar owner offered to meet Michaels at his bar the next night. He then contacted Gilbert police.
Police contacted the FBI and DEA, both of whom denied that Michaels worked for them. Police learned that Michaels was the owner of Black Dragon Martial Arts.
During a search of Michaels' home, police reportedly found an FBI badge in his car and a gun in his home. Upon his arrest, Michaels' allegedly admitted to his actions, saying he was in debt. He also reportedly told police that a stripper at the bar the victim owns said that the owner was a drug dealer and had plenty of cash on hand.
Michaels has been charged with attempted theft and impersonating a peace officer.
