Wentzville Man Pleads Guilty to Impersonating an FBI Agent and Possession of a Document-Making Implement

St. Louis, MO – Mark Van Ronzelen, 45, of Wentzville, pled guilty to impersonating a Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) special agent and felony possession of a document-making implement or authentication feature.  Sentencing has been set for March 5, 2019.

According to court documents, the Wentzville Police Department received a report that Van Ronzelen falsely represented that he was a Federal agent to an off-duty police officer.  At the time he encountered the off-duty officer, Van Ronzelen possessed and displayed a fraudulent Federal Bureau of Investigation identification card and what appeared to be a law enforcement badge.

During a search of the defendant’s residence, investigators recovered various fraudulent press and law enforcement credentials, including White House Press Pool credentials.  Investigators also recovered a laptop computer which contained images and templates used to make the various credentials.

"If someone knocking on your door identifies him/herself as an FBI special agent, you can easily verify that information," said Special Agent in Charge Richard Quinn of the FBI St. Louis Division. "Ask to see FBI credentials, which includes a photo, and then call the local FBI field office to confirm."

Van Ronzelen faces a maximum penalty of 6 months in prison and a fine of $5,000 on the possession of a fraudulent FBI identification card and a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine on the possession of a document-making implement.  In determining the actual sentence, a judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provides recommended sentencing ranges.

This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Secret Service, and the Wentzville Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Roy is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.