STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — A man accused of impersonating a police officer during a 2023 car stop on Staten Island told arresting officers he was an investigator with special skills, authorities allege in newly-obtained court documents.

Joel Lacrete, 42, of Rockland County, is due back in court Dec. 15 on charges that include criminal impersonation and criminal possession of a weapon. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges. His attorney declined to comment Tuesday.

The case meanwhile is finally moving forward after delays involving a mental health evaluation, records show.

Allegedly claimed to investigate ‘wire fraud’

The incident unfolded just before 5 p.m. on Aug. 31, 2023, near Forest and South avenues in Mariners Harbor, according to the criminal complaint.

NYPD officers pulled

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