Fantasy or criminal mind? Police find stash of fake ID's and uniforms

NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. - While Roy Antigua is in jail on a violation of probation charge, New Port Richey police are looking to see if he committed any other crimes. But they say they need the public to help.

Seven tables inside the police department are filled with badges, bullets, uniforms, and medals.

Investigators say Antigua tried to pass himself off as an Air Force veteran, a member of NASA's Space Shuttle crew, even a doctor complete with hospital ID's and his own medical bag.  He also had blue police-style flashing lights for his black Escalade

"We are going to go to whatever lengths that we need to travel to find out, is he really a threat or is he somebody living a very involved fantasy life," said Chief James Steffens.

Chief Steffens says he was fooled too at a Memorial Day event earlier this year, where Antigua came dressed as an officer in the Coast Guard.

"He sat next to me. Everybody around there believed he was the real deal. He dishonored the families of the fallen soldiers that we were there that day to remember," said Steffens.

Police first caught on to Antigua after they were called to a dispute between neighbors. They found Antigua had a suspended license, but it was other things in his wallet that really caught their eye. Police say some of his ID's just didn't look right.

Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco is especially troubled by several boy scout trooper leader uniforms Antigua had. "Who knows if he's been around young children what his intentions were."

Police say Antigua did have some involvement with the Boy Scouts in his younger days. But the only thing on the table that is legitimate is a name tag from the Coast Guard Auxiliary .

Police say they don't know if he used any of the items to commit crimes. That's why they want the public to let them know if they ever encountered Antigua playing a false role as a law enforcement officer, military hero, or medical expert.

"You don't have this collection, just to keep it within your house and look in the mirror. I'm convinced of that," said Steffens.

Police say Antigua even had hologram stickers to put on some of those ID cards to make them as realistic as possible. They still aren't sure what kind of charges he might face, but are looking into everything possible at the state and federal levels.

The Stolen Valor act would have made it illegal to lie about wearing medals and lying about military service. But in June, the Supreme Court voted against it.

Chief Steffans says Antigua may have done more than just lie.

"In it by itself, carrying a ball cap or carrying an ID, it could be Halloween.  Using that to portray a legitimate law enforcement agency or a military member?  That could be criminal, we are looking at additional charges pending."

If you have any information, call the NPR police department at 727-841-4553.