Southampton traffic stop uncovers fake DC plates, sparks Secret Service investigation
Police say the vehicle's owner, 58-year-old James Robitsek, of East Setauket, was also at the scene wearing the "Police Secret Service" shirt in gold letters on the back, despite having no known affiliation with the agency.
More Stories
A traffic stop in Southampton has drawn the attention of the U.S. Secret Service after local police say they found fake Washington, D.C. license plates and a man wearing a shirt that said "Police Secret Service" - with no known connection to the agency.
Southampton Village police say officers stopped a Cadillac on West Main Street over the weekend for using unauthorized red and blue lights on the vehicle.
The driver was identified as 62-year-old Barry Armato, of Lindenhurst.
Police say the vehicle's owner, 58-year-old James Robitsek, of East Setauket, was also at the scene wearing the "Police Secret Service" shirt in gold letters on the back, despite having no known affiliation with the agency.
Authorities impounded the Cadillac and say they found a fake shotgun, a fake New York state license plate, six fake Washington, D.C., license plates and other items inside.
"They are car show cars. We go to all the car shows and that is what they are represented for," said Robitsek, who is the founder of the Setauket Patriots. "That's why there is the fake shotgun. We got pillows with stars on them in the back. We have fake phones. It's supposed to look presidential."
Summonses were issued for switched plates, failing to display registration, no front plate and unauthorized use of red and blue lights.
"These cars are properly registered and insured in New York. They have valid New York State registration license plates. Unfortunately, one was not put back in place before the car was put back on the road from the car show," John Scott Prudenti, Robitsek's attorney.
The group says the replica limo is one of two presidential limousines owned by the pro-President Donald Trump conservative Facebook group.
The vehicle is also used for political events and is not an official government asset.
The group says it is cooperating with authorities while also contesting what they describe as "an overreaction."
Southampton Village police say the Secret Service was notified and is now conducting its own investigation.
"We've shared the evidence with the Secret Service," Prudenti said. "Any other information they are looking for, we will be glad to provide to them."
