A judge Tuesday denied a bail reduction request from an ex-con accused of possessing a large-caliber rifle, as well as law enforcement gear indicating that he might have posed as a police officer to commit crimes in the Hemet area.

Geovanny Misael Landeros, 25, was arrested last month during a Riverside County sheriff’s parole compliance check at his residence on Fruitvale Avenue in Hemet.

Landeros’ attorney, Alejo Lugo, submitted a motion to Superior Court Judge Mark Johnson seeking to have the defendant’s $1 million bond requirement reduced by more than half. But after hearing arguments from both the defense and prosecution, Johnson denied the request and scheduled a felony settlement conference for Sept. 28 at the Banning Justice Center.

Landeros, who’s being held at the nearby Smith Correctional Facility, is charged with possession of an assault weapon, being a felon in possession of a firearm and parole violations.

According to sheriff’s Sgt. Walter Mendez, while deputies were searching the defendant’s home on the morning of Aug. 2, they uncovered evidence that he had allegedly been engaged in impersonating law enforcement personnel.

Along with a badge and other wearable gear, deputies discovered that Landeros’ 2015 white Mercedes-Benz “was equipped with red-and-blue flashing LED lights” affixed to the front windshield, in the same way an unmarked police vehicle might be outfitted, the sergeant said.

“Investigators believe Landeros may have used these items to commit … crimes or contact unsuspecting victims (while) posing as a law enforcement officer,” Mendez said. “These crimes may have gone unnoticed by a potential victim.”

Anyone who believes they may have been victimized or can provide information related to the investigation was asked to contact sheriff’s detectives at (951) 955-1700.

According to court records, Landeros has prior convictions for assault resulting in great bodily injury, vandalism and driving on a suspended license.

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