West Melbourne police released bodycam video showing Derek Chavez, 30, approaching officers during a traffic stop on I-95 just before 3 a.m. April 12. Chavez, who was in a car with the driver suspected of having drugs, told officers he was the woman’s attorney but refused to provide identification. Police say Chavez is not a licensed lawyer and has been charged with impersonating an attorney.
The video, released Tuesday, shows Chavez in a suit and tie approaching officers as they pulled over a woman near the I-95 and State Road 520 intersection. When asked for his credentials, Chavez said he would not share his name or identification. Officer Chris Martinez, who was on the scene, told reporters that licensed attorneys typically provide their names and credentials immediately. 'Most people, when attorneys come up, they identify themselves,' Martinez said. 'They don’t say, 'If you need, I’ll tell you who I am.''
Chavez is currently out on bail after being arrested in late April. Police say they released the video to warn the public that Chavez may have defrauded others by posing as a lawyer. Authorities believe there could be more victims who paid Chavez for legal services he was not qualified to provide.
The case has drawn attention from local law enforcement, who emphasized the importance of verifying attorney credentials. Brevard County officials say they are working with the Florida Bar to investigate whether Chavez has committed other crimes involving impersonation. No other arrests have been made in connection with the case as of Tuesday.