A Palm Bay man has been arrested for impersonating a lawyer at a traffic stop in Brevard County, Florida. According to the Brevard County Sheriff's Office, the incident occurred in April when a controlled substance was found in the driver's vehicle.

Brevard County Traffic Stop

The traffic stop happened along Interstate 95, shortly before 3 a.m. in April. During the stop, a controlled substance was located within the vehicle and in the driver's purse.

Impersonation Incident

After advising the driver of their Miranda Rights and beginning a post-Miranda interview, the defendant, Derek Schaufus, arrived on scene and was identified by the driver as her attorney.

Key Facts

• Location: Brevard County, Florida
• Charge: Obstruction by a disguised person
• Incident Date: April 2026
• Defendant: Derek Schaufus, 30
• Current Status: Arrested and facing charges
• Investigation: Ongoing

The Brevard County Sheriff's Office has not released further details about the incident, but the case highlights the importance of verifying the identity of individuals claiming to be legal representatives.

Next Steps

The case against Derek Schaufus is ongoing, and it is unclear what penalties he may face if convicted. The incident serves as a reminder of the potential consequences of impersonating a lawyer or any other professional in a legal setting.