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Man charged, accused of impersonating Orange County deputy

ORLANDO, Fla. — Everyone he came in contact with thought he was the real deal, but today Channel 9 discovered a man recently arrested on charges of posing as an Orange County deputy wasn't just a fake -- he was also a felon.

Detectives said Christian Colburn carried a gun, had a badge and was even a courtesy officer at a local apartment complex.

While on probation, Colburn went by “Chris Coleman,” but anyone who knew his real name could find his mug shots online easily.

The convicted felon also said he was an Orange County deputy and walked around with a holstered gun, had a bulletproof vest, a badge and even a German shepherd, investigators said.

“He was illegal, illegitimate and it's just a terrible thing,” said Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Jane Watrel.

Investigators said Colburn also used his badge to get discounts at local restaurants.

When Colburn’s roommates found mail with his real name on it, they tipped off deputies.

“He knows the exact wording to use, exact terminology, exactly behavior to use to make it believable so he goes undetectable,” former roommate Grae Whitney told Channel 9.

Colburn had everyone at his apartment complex fooled for months. As a courtesy officer, he even had a $450-a-month discount on his rent.

The State Attorney's Office filed charges in September and Colburn was arrested last week when he was picked up on credit card fraud charges.

Channel 9 searched through court records and found Colburn has a lengthy criminal history that includes prison time for grand theft, fraud and false bomb reports.

Colburn is being held at the Orange County Jail without bond.