Capitol Security officer accused of drunkenly impersonating state trooper sentenced to house arrest, probation

A former Capitol Security officer who reportedly impersonated a Minnesota state trooper while drunk at a restaurant has learned his sentence.

Cristian Orea, 39, was sentenced to 30 days of house arrest, followed by two years of probation after pleading guilty to one count of fourth-degree DWI. If he successfully completes probation, the charge of impersonating a peace officer will be dismissed, court documents note.

As part of the sentencing, one count of third-degree DWI and one count of carrying a pistol while under the influence of alcohol were dropped.

RELATED: State employee charged with DWI and impersonating officer

As previously reported, Minneapolis police were called to Puerto Veracruzano at 331 Lake Street East just after midnight on Monday on reports of a man who attempted to enter a restaurant with a gun.

Callers told police the man claimed he was an undercover officer on site for a narcotics investigation. The man, later identified as Orea, reportedly showed a picture of his badge on his phone, which displayed the text “State Patrol” at the top.

Staff at the restaurant claimed Orea appeared to be intoxicated and was wearing a holstered firearm.

Security at the restaurant told Orea he could enter, provided he was not armed. Orea then reportedly became upset and told them they should not “interfere with (his) investigation.”

Court documents said Orea then stopped two men who were attempting to leave the restaurant without paying, placing his hand on his gun and threatening to arrest them if they didn’t pay.

While Orea continued to tell others at the restaurant that he was a police officer, staff called the Minneapolis Police Department to verify his claims. After police advised staff that Orea was not an officer and to call 911, Orea reportedly ran out of the restaurant and into his car, driving away.

Police later found Orea driving and pulled him over. Orea told police he worked for the State Patrol, and after refusing to perform sobriety tests, Orea told the officer to “just book me.”

Orea reportedly continued to claim he worked with the Minnesota State Patrol while he was booked and failed field sobriety tests done at the police station. Police said they attempted to draw blood and urine from Orea for a test, who had initially agreed.

However, when it came time to perform the test, Orea continued to avoid it and then asked to be arrested instead.

The State Patrol confirmed that Orea was a Capitol Security officer — a non-sworn member assigned to the Capitol complex. A State Patrol spokesperson added that Capitol Security officers are not provided firearms and are not allowed to carry a firearm while on duty.

After being charged, the Minnesota State Patrol placed Orea on leave.
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