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Man Arrested For Carrying 'Badge'

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By LISA A. DAVIS

The Tampa Tribune

Published: May 3, 2008

HUDSON - The black Crown Victoria flew by Pasco County Deputy Jay Galassi at 74 mph in a 55 mph zone Thursday morning on U.S. 19 north of Hudson Avenue.

When Galassi pulled over the driver at New York Avenue, it was business as usual.

He wanted to see a license, registration and proof of insurance.

As soon as Harrison David Welles opened his wallet, Galassi spotted what he described as a gold badge on the left side and a concealed weapons permit on the right, an arrest report said. Welles put his thumb over the badge, then folded the left side of his wallet under the right while he removed his driver's license, the report said.
Galassi asked about the badge.

Welles denied there was a badge, but the deputy could see it clearly.

It was embossed with "U.S. Customs, The Department of The Treasury, Special Agent," according to the report.

Reached on his cellular phone Friday, Welles repeated what he told the deputy: He bought the wallet at a flea market - he can't remember which one - and it came with an embossed paper that he considers a "novelty" item, not a badge.

He says he's collected police memorabilia since he was a child.

"It's a hobby, if you will," Welles said. "There's tons of people like me everywhere."

And for years he has bought retired police cruisers.

"Those are great cars," he said. "Very sturdy."

Welles, a mortgage broker, said he's never tried to impersonate an officer, but he can understand the deputy's concern.

"I can see his perspective, I admit. Hindsight is 20-20," Welles said.

He was cited for speeding and arrested on a misdemeanor charge of unlawful use of a police badge.

Authorities also impounded his four-door Police Interceptor, the law enforcement version of the Ford Crown Victoria.

Welles, 45, of 436 Leafy Way Ave. in Spring Hill, was released later Thursday after posting $250 bail.

Sheriff's office spokesman Kevin Doll said the case has also been referred to the Treasury Department.

Lisa A. Davis can be reached at (727) 815-1083 or ldavis@tampatrib.com.

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