A Central Florida man was arrested after impersonating a lawyer at a traffic stop in Brevard County. The man, Derek Schaufus, 30, faces a charge of obstruction by a disguised person.

Traffic Stop

The traffic stop occurred in April along Interstate 95, shortly before 3 a.m. During the stop, a controlled substance was located within the vehicle and in the driver's purse. After advising the driver of their Miranda Rights and beginning a post-Miranda interview, Schaufus arrived on the scene.

Impersonation

Schaufus came up to the stop and was identified by the driver as her attorney. He was wearing a full suit and tie, asking about legal procedures, the existence of probable cause, and even trying to negotiate a deal for the driver.

Key Facts

• Location: Brevard County, FL
• Charges: Obstruction by a disguised person
• Incident: Traffic stop along Interstate 95
• Arresting Agency: Brevard County Sheriff's Office
• Current Status: Schaufus faces a charge of obstruction by a disguised person
• Driver's Involvement: The driver refused to speak with the responding deputy any longer, instead referring him to 'her lawyer'

'The defendant arrived on scene and was identified by the driver as her attorney.' - Brevard County Sheriff's Office

Next Steps

The case will now proceed with Schaufus facing the charge of obstruction by a disguised person. The investigation is ongoing, and it is unclear what led to Schaufus's decision to impersonate a lawyer. The severity of the charge highlights the seriousness of the offense.