Suspect Charged With Impersonating DEA Agent In Tustin Robberies

TUSTIN (CBS) — A South Dakota man accused of robbing a Tustin woman while impersonating a federal narcotics agent was behind bars on Wednesday, police said.

James Robert Anderson, 35, reportedly first made contact with a resident in the 15000 block of Pasadena Avenue on December 10 at around 11:00 p.m. while impersonating a DEA agent, according to the Tustin Police Department.

Anderson, who identified himself as an agent and displayed a badge around his neck, allegedly told the female resident her husband had been arrested on drug charges.

After he displayed her husband's California ID card to support his claims, Anderson ordered her and the occupants of the home to empty their wallets and confiscated their cash, telling them the money would be returned once the investigation was completed, police said.

Anderson left the location with the cash, after which police later determined the husband had been the victim of a robbery by the same suspect in Santa Ana.

Anderson had taken the husband's identification and cash during the robbery in Santa Ana after posing as a DEA agent, police said.

Detectives from the Tustin Police Department were able to connect this crime to a similar crime which occurred in Anaheim.

After an extensive investigation in cooperation with Anaheim police detectives, the suspect was tracked to a hotel in Anaheim where he was arrested.

Anderson was booked at the Orange County Jail on felony robbery, kidnapping and burglary charges. His bail has been set at $100,000.00.

Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to call Tustin Police Detective Turner at (714) 573-3267.