Two Suspects Arrested for Impersonating Deputy U.S. Marshals

Greenbelt, MD – The U.S. Marshals Service in the District of Maryland and Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force partnered with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and Maryland State Police to arrest Antione William Tuckson, age 37, of Waldorf, Maryland, and Nijea Nicole Rich, age 40, of Lexington Park, Maryland, on May 20, 2022.

A federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Tuckson for federal charges of false impersonation of an officer and employee of the United States and for being a felon in possession of a firearm. A federal criminal complaint was filed on May 19, 2022, charging co-conspirator Rich with impersonating a federal officer and conspiracy to impersonate a federal officer.

"I commend Prince George's County Police Department for their outstanding work and the tremendous support they have provided during this investigation," said Johnny L. Hughes, U.S. Marshal for the District of Maryland. "Without our local partners, we would not be as successful. I could not be more thankful for their hard work and the incredible support we received from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the U.S. Attorney's Office."

Chief Deputy U.S. Marshal Mathew N. Silverman added, "Our Silver Shield initiative was started with the intent of strengthening the public trust, so the deputies in our new Criminal Investigations Unit made this case a top priority. Illegally possessing firearms and participating in criminal conduct while posing as a Deputy U.S. Marshal presents a grave risk to the community and undermines all the incredible work done by deputies who have earned the right to wear our badge."

If convicted, Tuckson and Rich each face a maximum sentence of three years in federal prison for impersonating a Deputy U.S. Marshal and Rich faces a maximum of five years in federal prison for the conspiracy. Tuckson also faces a maximum of 10 years in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

An indictment or a criminal complaint is not a finding of guilt. An individual charged by indictment or criminal complaint is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings.