Chicago man denies portraying cop
A Chicago man accused of posing as a police officer to steal gas pleaded not guilty Wednesday in Lake County circuit court.
Michael Wurm, 36, faces up to three years in prison if convicted of false impersonation of a police officer and theft.
Lake County Assistant State's Attorney George Pappas said Wurm stopped at a Lincolnshire gas station in July and filled the gas tank of his 2003 Jaguar. He then told a station clerk he was a police officer who had left his wallet at home.
As evidence, Pappas said, Wurm took the clerk out to his car and showed him the Fraternal Order of Police sticker on the rear window.
He promised to return to pay for the gas, but never did, Pappas said.
Wurm was charged in this case after his arrest in DuPage County for obstruction of justice, and police connected him to the Lincolnshire incident.
Pappas said Wurm is also under investigation in several other jurisdictions for similar activity.
Circuit Judge John Phillips ordered Wurm, who is held on $100,000 bond, to appear in court Nov. 12.