Kiel established the ‘Masonic Fraternal Police Department’.
By Raif Karerat
WASHINGTON, DC: An aide to California Attorney General and Democratic Senatorial candidate Kamala Harris was arrested last week on charges of impersonating a police officer after he played a major role in establishing a faux police department.
Brandon Kiel, the deputy director of community affairs for California’s Justice Department, which Kamala Harris heads, is currently on administrative leave after the Los Angeles Times revealed he called himself the “chief deputy director” of the extrajudicial Masonic Fraternal Police Department and requested meetings with officials from various southern California police departments in such a capacity.
CBS Los Angeles reported two other individuals were arrested in connection to the Masonic Fraternal P.D. — David Henry, 46, and Tonette Hayes, 56.
During a search of two locations in relation to the fake police department, Santa Clarita Valley police officers uncovered badges, identification cards, weapons, uniforms and vehicles resembling those of law enforcement officers, reported CBS Los Angeles.
According to the Times, an officer with the Santa Clarita Valley police station stated the group’s intentions had not been ascertained yet.
Kristin Ford, Harris’ press secretary, confirmed that Kiel was placed on paid leave last week and that the department was cooperating with the investigation, according to CNN.
The Masonic Fraternal Police Department states on its website that it is a descendant of a paramilitary group from the middle ages, the Knights Templar, which emerged during the First Crusade. The group also claims 500,000 members across the United States, as well as a “jurisdiction” in Mexico City.