Man charged with impersonating police officer in Waynesboro

Waynesboro Police have arrested a 25-year-old man on charges that he has been impersonating a police officer.

Joseph Michael Ryan was charged after an investigation that began with a report to police on Thursday that he had befriended two of their children stating that he had “started a ministry to work hand in hand with the local police department to help out troubled children in the area.”

The parents quickly became suspicious of Ryan’s intentions and began to check into his alleged activities. The parents discovered discrepancies in the information that Ryan had provided to them and their children and subsequently reported this information to the police department.

Ryan is currently being held at the Middle River Regional Jail without bond.

If anyone has any information pertaining to this case or any similar cases please contact Corporal Alyssa Zullig at 540-942-6511.

This is an ongoing investigation and any additional information that the public may be able to provide would be greatly appreciated.