LAKE CHARLES - On August 4, 2026, United States District Judge James D. Cain, Jr., sentenced John Gueringer, 51, of Oakdale, to 36 months in federal prison followed by one year of supervised release after pleading guilty to Impersonating a Federal Officer.

"Impersonating a federal agent is a serious crime. It undermines public trust, confuses citizens, and endangers both the public and law enforcement," said United States Attorney Zachary A. Keller. "This sentence reflects our commitment to protecting the integrity of federal agencies and holding accountable those who illegally and recklessly assume the identify of a United States federal agent."

According to court documents, on July 22, 2024, officers with the Oakdale Police Department responded to a domestic disturbance at a residence in Oakdale. As officers arrived, they encountered a visibly upset woman who had multiple scratch marks on her body. When officers approached the residence, Gueringer met them under the carport wearing a lanyard containing what appeared to be an authentic Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) badge. Gueringer repeatedly identified himself as a federal agent, and instructed officers to call the DEA, attempting to block their investigation and avoid arrest.

Investigators later confirmed that Gueringer had no affiliation with the DEA and that he used the impersonation in an effort to deceive responding officers and interfere with their investigation. Gueringer admitted he acted with intent to mislead law enforcement.

U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller for the Western District of Louisiana made the announcement.

The Oakdale Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John W. Nickel with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Joanne Henry-Mills.

A copy of this press release (and any updates) may be found on the website of the United States Attorney's Office for the Western District of Louisiana at www.justice.gov/usao-wdla.

Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana at www.lawd.uscourts.gov or https://www.lawd.uscourts.gov/cmecf-pacer, under Case Number 2:25-cr-00362.

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Public Affairs
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