Vero Beach man arrested for impersonating a police officer and fraudulently obtaining veteran status

Scott Edward Davis (51) of Vero Beach was booked into the Indian River County Jail yesterday morning. He had two outstanding arrest warrants. After several months of a multi-agency investigation, Davis was charged with fraudulently obtaining veterans status on his driver license and impersonating a law enforcement officer. The case began on December 20, 2017. Davis reportedly initiated a verbal disturbance at Velde Ford in Vero Beach. During the disturbance, witnesses noted that Davis presented a badge. He repeatedly identified himself as a representative of the Department of Homeland Security. He left the business before deputies arrived.

Further investigation revealed Davis has a history of similar activity dating back to the 1990s.

Reports from the Austin Police Department in Texas revealed two arrests in 1992. He made over 20 traffic stops on unsuspecting victims while impersonating a law enforcement officer. He was found to be in possession of emergency lights, a siren, an unauthorized fire department badge, and admitted he might have had a firearm during these traffic stops. Additionally, in 2005, Davis was arrested in Clay County, Florida for a similar charge of impersonating a law enforcement officer. He reportedly conducted a traffic stop with blue lights in his personal vehicle. He was near a military base and identified himself as Major Scott Davis, according to the Clay County report.

During the investigation of the disturbance at Velde Ford in December, investigators discovered a document in Davis’ driver license file which appears to have come from the Veterans Administration and showed years of service from 1984 to 2006 and an honorable discharge.

The document was used by Davis to obtain the veterans designation on his license. However, investigators became suspicious that someone with Davis’ felony arrest history would have remained in the military. Veteran’s Administration records revealed the document was fraudulent and Davis had actually been in the U.S. Army from 1987 to 1989 and was discharged under other than honorable conditions. Additional records confirmed Davis was discharged, “for the good of the service-in lieu of court martial.” The Veteran’s Administration confirmed that Davis is not eligible for benefits nor is he considered a veteran

Retired Air Force Colonel and long time Indian River Veterans Council Member Martin Zickert stated, “Posing as a veteran is one of the most dishonorable things I can think of. Real veterans have given their lives for our country and this guy didn’t even honorably finish his tour. This despicable act is an example of stolen valor.” If you have any additional information about this subject impersonating a law enforcement officer, please contact Lt. Thomas Raulen at 772-978-6148. Davis made his first appearance in court yesterday and was released on $20,000 bond.