Hundreds of fake security guard licenses under investigation

ORLANDO, Fla. — Hundreds of people in Florida are under investigation, accused of getting fake licenses to be gun-carrying security guards.

Five people were accused of forging the documents, which would allow an armed security guard to be hired in airports, courthouses and other public places.

One of the people arrested was Gertrude Brun, 54, who owned her own security school, called Brun Protective Security Training School in Orlando.

Several of the people arrested were instructors and even held armed security positions.

Someone in the Orlando offices of the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services noticed a forged training certificate. That started the investigation, which is ongoing.

There could be as many as 350 security guards who have bogus licenses to carry guns.

Investigators have arrested five people, including two from Orlando and Kissimmee.

According to the state, those hundreds of illegally licensed armed security officers could get jobs in ports, jails, airports and courthouses.

Tom Ascolese, owner of TNT Security Services, is a "G" class licensed security guard.

It's the class of license that the FDACS said was forged for as many as 350 people.

The license is a step up from being a concealed-weapons permit holder.

"These guys are armed. These guy are armed and that's what the scariest thing [is]," Ascolese said.

Investigators found the people arrested also made fake mental evaluations, which is a requirement for the G license.

License holders who went through the program are under suspicion and being investigated as well.

Ascolese said if the people going through the program are not getting background checks by the state, FBI or government, it is hard to gauge their stability.

WFTV