MACCLENNY, Fla. — Investigators are working to identify and find the man who impersonated a Florida Department of Children and Families employee.
The suspicious man was first spotted across the street in the parking lot three months ago in front of an old DCF building. Now he's gotten bolder and made numerous appearances at Baker Manor Apartments.
Folks in the Macclenny apartment complex are on high alert. Someone has been staking them out.
"He's told at least a couple of people that he's a DCF investigator and he's there to do surveillance," said DCF spokesperson John Harrell.
But that's not the case. After several complaints police looked into it and discovered he was an impostor. The property manager caught him looking through binoculars at kids in Building 1. One day he was out there for six hours.
"Waiting for an opportunity to happen. Waiting for a kid to be out playing and a parent inside," said staff member Allen Shadd.
DCF said there are a couple of ways to know an investigator is legit. First they would never be doing surveillance. If they need to talk to parents or children, they would go directly to the home or school for interviews. Next, look closely at the badge. It should contain holograms of the state of Florida seal and the DCF logo.
Until the man is caught, residents say they'll stay vigilant.
"I have two grandchildren up there and we aren't letting them out of our ... sight," said Joy Matthews.
The suspect is described an older white man, heavyset, with a mustache and gray hair. He's been spotted in a powder blue vehicle. If you see him, call police.
WJAX
