Sheriff impersonators arrested with misspelled sheriff uniforms, deputies say

FRESNO, Calif -- The Fresno County Sheriff's Office says three men face charges for posing as law enforcement officers, illegal possession of firearms, ammunition and drugs.

The sheriff's office released the following statement to Action News:

Three Felons Arrested for Possible Connection to Home Invasion Robberies & Police Impersonations

The following three men have been booked into the Fresno County Jail. All of them face charges related to illegal possession of firearms, ammunition and drugs.

- Kevin Rodriguez, 25, of Sanger

- Thomas Fleming, 32, of Fresno

- Unkham Artphasook, 37, of Fresno

On Wednesday, Ag Task Force detectives conducted a probation search at a home on the 1600 block of E. American Ave. in Fresno. Detectives had received information that Kevin Rodriguez was at the location. He and his accomplices were suspected of posing as law enforcement officers and conducting home invasion robberies at locations with marijuana grows. Detectives found Rodriguez, Fleming and Artphasook at the home and took them into custody. The probation search at the house revealed numerous items which could be linked to the alleged crimes.

- Two green flight suits with "Fresno Sherif" stenciled on the back

- Several security badges

- A nylon gun belt

- An expandable baton

- Other miscellaneous law enforcement gear

- A stolen passport, stolen credit cards, meth pipes and ammunition

Detectives searched a SUV believed to be associated with the robberies and found a pump-action shotgun hidden under the rear seat, along with ammunition.