Parkville man has record of impersonating police; defends it as role play

PARKVILLE, Md. - Derek Propalis was pulled over last month when a Baltimore County Police Officer thought he was working a legitimate call.      

    

The Parkville man looked like a cop, acted like a cop and drove like a cop.

 

"He had obtained a vehicle that is a Ford Crown Victoria like police officer's drive, there was a lap top computer in the vehicle.  He had what appeared to be antennas and also had working lights in the police vehicle," said Detective Cathy Batton.

 

Only Propalis is not an officer, rather a retired Baltimore county government worker; some of his more than 30 year career spent in code enforcement.

       

But when detectives served their warrant, they found the tools of their own trade; police uniforms mimicking Baltimore County, Baltimore City and Maryland State Police, badges and patches to match along with fake guns.

         

Costumes for a part Propalis has apparently played before.

          

On his record are two prior cases of police impersonation dating back to 2002.

           

A charge he escaped with the defense of Maryland Delegate and attorney Michael Smigiel.

 

"Mr. Propalis, never been any indication that, as far as I know he has ever attempted to do anything that would give the public the impression that he was a police officer," said Smigiel

 

And the court saw it that way as well.

 

Propalis had no malicious intent behind the impersonations, rather he admitted the costumes are more for sexual role play; an odd defense but one that was backed up with legitimate receipts from costume shops.

                   

"They were all purchased at a costume store. This is his mode of expressing himself when he is on a date with someone," said Smigiel referring to his defense ten years ago.                

 

It remains to be seen if the court will see it that way this time.

    

Propalis is currently facing charges from Baltimore County and is on home detention.

     

We were not able to reach him for comment.