MPD/Secret Service Arrest Kula Man for Impersonating an Officer

Should anyone have additional information regarding Kantzabedian, they can call the Maui Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division at 808-244-6425.

By Wendy Osher

Members of the Maui Police Department joined forces with the US Secret Service in arresting a 53-year-old Kula man for the alleged false impersonation of a US officer.

Following the arrest of Abraham Kantzabedian on Tuesday, February 21, 2012, authorities executed a search warrant of the man’s home.

“Several items of evidence were recovered consistent with the criminal activity,” said Maui Police Lt. Wayne Ibarra in a press release today.

An initial report was filed in December 2011.  Police say that during the incident, Kantzabedian approached an MPD Detective, and “purported himself to be a Special Agent with the US Department of the Treasury.”

According to police reports, the man displayed “what appeared to be an official Government Identification card”, and drove a vehicle “that had the appearance of a law enforcement vehicle.”  Police reports also indicate that Kantzabedian had a canine that he allegedly claimed was an official government dog trained in attack, bomb and drug detection.

A subsequent incident was reported in January 2012, when police say Kantzabedian approached the same detective again.  Police say “suspicious claims” were made, prompting the launch of an investigation by department personnel.

On February 9, 2012, following a joint-operation between the Maui Police Department and the US Secret Service, Kantzabedian was arrested for the alleged offense of Impersonating a Law Enforcement Officer.

He was released pending further investigation, and arrested again on February 21, 2012 for the alleged offense of False Impersonation of an Officer of the United States.

Police say Kantzabedian was taken into custody, and transported to Honolulu by members of the US Secret Service.