El Paso man arrested for impersonating TABC agent
EL PASO, Texas - The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) arrested a man after he was caught impersonating a TABC agent.
27-year-old Christopher Jacob Contreras of El Paso was taken in on June 13 after being caught in a local bar by the TABC. He was booked into the El Paso County Jail. He is currently being charged with impersonating a public servant, a third degree felony. He could potentially face up to 10 years in prison, as well as being hit with a $10,000 fine.
TABC's El Paso Enforcement Office has been after Contreras since May. He reportedly went to a liquor store, presented himself as a TABC agent, and told employees that they were breaking the law by reportedly selling alcohol to minors. He left the store after being questioned by the manager, claiming that he needed to speak to his supervisor. Local businesses and witnesses were able to provide a description of Contreras to officials after the incident was reported.
The TABC noted to the public in a statement that real agents "will always properly identify themselves as working for the agency, and will always have an official ID badge on display when making contact with a business owner or staff member." They also praised the business for reporting the incident so quickly, stating that it was detrimental in catching Contreras.
