COLUMBUS (WCMH)–Columbus Police have identified 47 year old Joseph Steward as the man now wanted for impersonating a police officer. Detectives say Steward has been illegally soliciting cash donations for the police department.
Steward has a history of impersonating a police officer. He pleaded guilty in 2014 to illegally soliciting donations for a wounded warrior charity. At his sentencing, Steward told the judge, “I’m ashamed of my actions and I’m really sorry for what I did and all the pain that I caused.”
Steward was awarded a judicial release from prison earlier this year.
Pam Parker, owner of Parker’s Tavern in Grove City, remembers Steward all too well. She gave him money for wounded warriors in 2014 only to find out she had been conned. She said the experience has had a lasting effect.
“What it’s done is, now we won’t donate for causes,” Parker said. “We’re jaded.”
Columbus police spokeswoman Denise Alex-Bouzounis says Steward is at it again, posing as a police lieutenant asking local merchants for cash to support police.
“So, especially at a time when people’s hearts are heavy for police officers,” Alex-Bouzounis said. “They’re going through hard times- he’s kind of pulling on those heartstrings, trying to get donations.”
Steward was granted a judicial release from prison earlier this year. And that rubs Pam Parker the wrong way.
“I don’t understand how people like this get out and do this over and over again,” Parker said. “I mean at some point don’t you just lock him up and throw away the key?”
Steward doesn’t hide from surveillance cameras, and those who have encountered him say he is very smooth.
But Alex-Bouzounis says police now know exactly who they’re looking for.
“Now, it’s just up to us and the community to help us track him down so he doesn’t do this anymore,” she said.
Anyone with information on Steward’s whereabouts is asked to contact Columbus Police Fraud & Forgery Unit at 614-645-4751.