Man sentenced to 10 years for impersonating a cop to rob drug dealers
by Gillian Frew, The Oregonian
Thursday July 16, 2009, 5:53 PM
A 20-year-old man who caught the eye of Portland transit police when he flicked his cigarette into the street last December was sentenced to 10 years in prison Thursday for armed robbery and impersonating an officer.
When police confronted him last winter, Maurice Monson refused to give them his name, so they searched him. They found a .32 revolver, a fake police badge, handcuffs, rubber gloves and a two-way radio in his backpack. Monson eventually told police that he and an accomplice used the police disguises to rob drug dealers.
Detectives later linked Monson and Franklin Delano Harris III to an armed apartment robbery during which three men stole $2,000 after the gunman, identified as Monson, flashed his badge and claimed to be conducting a drug bust. Harris was sentenced in May to almost six years in prison. Multnomah Deputy District Attorney Andrew Lavin said the investigation is continuing.
Monson apologized to the court for his actions and how they have affected his loved ones.
Judge Kenneth R. Walker urged Monson to use his time in prison to pursue educational opportunities or learn a trade. Walker said Monson was likeable and articulate, and that he felt comfortable calling him by his nickname, Reese.
"I would like nothing more than for you to stop by my chambers one day and tell me you're working and you're making something of your life," Walker said.
Monson said he would try.
"I want to man up to my wrongdoing and move forward from here," he said.
As part of the plea agreement, Walker dismissed the remaining charges against Monson, including offensive littering.
Gillian Frew; [email protected]
by Gillian Frew, The Oregonian
Thursday July 16, 2009, 5:53 PM
A 20-year-old man who caught the eye of Portland transit police when he flicked his cigarette into the street last December was sentenced to 10 years in prison Thursday for armed robbery and impersonating an officer.
When police confronted him last winter, Maurice Monson refused to give them his name, so they searched him. They found a .32 revolver, a fake police badge, handcuffs, rubber gloves and a two-way radio in his backpack. Monson eventually told police that he and an accomplice used the police disguises to rob drug dealers.
Detectives later linked Monson and Franklin Delano Harris III to an armed apartment robbery during which three men stole $2,000 after the gunman, identified as Monson, flashed his badge and claimed to be conducting a drug bust. Harris was sentenced in May to almost six years in prison. Multnomah Deputy District Attorney Andrew Lavin said the investigation is continuing.
Monson apologized to the court for his actions and how they have affected his loved ones.
Judge Kenneth R. Walker urged Monson to use his time in prison to pursue educational opportunities or learn a trade. Walker said Monson was likeable and articulate, and that he felt comfortable calling him by his nickname, Reese.
"I would like nothing more than for you to stop by my chambers one day and tell me you're working and you're making something of your life," Walker said.
Monson said he would try.
"I want to man up to my wrongdoing and move forward from here," he said.
As part of the plea agreement, Walker dismissed the remaining charges against Monson, including offensive littering.
Gillian Frew; [email protected]
