Pocono News Section

Fake Fireman Arrested in Luzerne County

Fake Fireman Arrested in Luzerne County - Wednesday, March 19, 2008 at 7:05PM EST

Reported by: Eric Deabill
Wednesday, Mar 19, 2008 @07:05pm EST
EDWARDSVILLE, LUZERNE COUNTY - An Edwardsville man is behind bars, accused of impersonating a firefighter to rip off businesses in Luzerne County.

22-year-old Michael Dynak just shook his head when asked if he had anything to say as he was led out of the Edwardsville Police Department just before 3:30 Wednesday afternoon. Police say the Edwardsville man impersonated a Scranton firefighter to pass bad checks at several businesses.

"Apparently, this individual, numerous times has gone to several different locations and used personal checks to purchase items," Edwardsville police patrolman John Fronzoni said.

Earlier this month, Dynak allegedly tried to pass two fake checks to buy a car from Gateway Motors on Route 11. The checks were each worth about $7,000, and that is when police caught on to his scheme.

"He hailed himself out as a firefighter for the city of Scranton and we have confirmed with the City of Scranton that he is not employed with them, nor is he a firefighter. We've been investigating this individual for quite a long time and operating through other law enforcement agencies, we've learned he's done this in other jurisdictions," Fronzoni said.

Police want you to take a good look at Dynak because they say he may have many other victims. He's already been arrested in Plains and police in Lehman Township are also looking into his activities as well.

"We worry about this because he's holding himself out as that (firefighter) and it's a very big safety concern and it could put lives at risk," Fronzoni said.

Dynak faces a slew of charges, including theft, receiving stolen property and impersonating a public servant. He is locked-up tonight on $10,000 bail.