Local resident charged with impersonating a peace offiicer

A Phenix City woman was arrested on a felony charge of impersonating a peace officer after deputies say she used an expired police identification card to try to avoid a traffic ticket. Shaina Miller, 32, was taken into custody following two traffic stops on July 31 in the 200 block of Lee Road 600, according to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office.

A deputy initially stopped Miller’s vehicle for an expired registration tag. As the deputy approached the driver’s side, Miller was holding a small wallet with a clear plastic cover displaying an identification card. She removed the card, placed it on her lap, and handed the deputy her driver’s license. When questioned about the card on her lap, Miller stated it read “CPD” and claimed she was a Columbus Police Department officer, authorities said.

After leaving the scene, the deputy contacted a member of the Columbus Police Department and learned Miller was no longer employed by the agency. The deputy located Miller’s vehicle again and initiated a second traffic stop.

During the second stop, Miller turned over the police identification card and admitted she left the department in 2024 and had used the credential to get out of previous traffic citations, according to the sheriff’s office. Miller was charged with felony impersonating a peace officer and transported to the Lee County Detention Center on a $3,000 bond. She has since posted bond.

“The Lee County Sheriff’s Office continues our vigilance in detecting and preventing any actions that undermine the men and women engaged in providing professional public service,” Sheriff Jay Jones said in a statement. “Impersonating a law enforcement officer is an affront to law enforcement and the public and should never be tolerated.”

Investigators ask anyone with information about the case to contact the Lee County Sheriff’s Office at 334-749-5651 or Central Alabama Crime Stoppers at 334-215-7867.