Texas Man Who Faked Being a Fire Marshal Gets Probation

A North Texas man has been put on probation for pretending to be a fire marshal to avoid a $10 cover charge at a bar and to get free drinks.

Charles Brandon of Savannah pleaded guilty Wednesday to false identification as a peace officer.

A judge in Fort Worth ordered two years of deferred adjudication probation. Brandon faces jail if he violates the plea deal, which also bars him from Gaylord Texan Resort property.

The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports Brandon portrayed himself as a fire marshal at the resort’s Glass Cactus Nightclub on New Year’s Eve 2012. Grapevine police say Brandon flashed a badge.

Brandon was arrested in January 2013 after club workers told a real fire marshal at the club that the “other” fire marshal was also present.