Local Freelance Photographer Indicted for Allegedly Impersonating Emergency Personnel in Crete

It seems a familiar face within our local news photography scene, Todd Sherman, 53, is currently navigating some very serious legal waters. Known to many as a freelance news photographer and even a co-founder of the Firedog Media Facebook page, Sherman now stands accused by a Will County grand jury of something far more troubling than just capturing dramatic photos: he's been indicted on felony charges for allegedly impersonating a firefighter and an emergency management worker right here in Crete, Illinois.

The whole situation began to unravel back on May 25th, during the aftermath of a house fire in the 24400 block of Patriot Court in Crete. Imagine the chaos, the concern for residents, and then, amidst the legitimate emergency responders, someone allegedly blending in, dressed in official-looking gear, but without any actual authority. That's precisely what authorities say Todd Sherman did.

Fast forward to the early morning hours of June 23rd. A Crete Police officer, on patrol near Steger Road and IL 394, spotted a vehicle absolutely flying, going a staggering 91 miles per hour in a 55 mph zone. That's a serious clip! The officer attempted to pull the speeding vehicle over, which eventually stopped on Dixie Highway, just south of Eagle Lake Road. And who was behind the wheel? Todd Sherman.

Now, this is where things really started to get interesting, and concerning. When officers approached Sherman’s vehicle, they immediately noticed an alarming display: an array of green, white, and red flashing lights – the very kind you'd expect to see on an official emergency vehicle, not a private car. Furthermore, inside his vehicle, police allegedly found various pieces of equipment, including a vest and a badge, strongly suggesting an attempt to mimic official personnel. Crucially, when pressed, Sherman couldn't produce any legitimate credentials for the Crete Fire Department or as an emergency management worker.

Given the discoveries, the Crete Police Department didn't take these findings lightly. Sherman was arrested on June 25th. Then, on July 22nd, a Will County grand jury delivered the formal indictment, charging him with false personation of a firefighter and false personation of an emergency management worker – both serious felony offenses. Beyond those, he's also facing a handful of misdemeanor traffic charges: speeding, operating an uninsured vehicle, improper use of registration and title, and driving with a suspended registration due to non-insurance. It's quite a list, isn't it?

It turns out this isn't Sherman's first dance with legal troubles involving vehicle lights. Back in 2013, he actually pleaded guilty in Will County to having illegal lights on his vehicle. And more recently, just last month in July 2023, news reports indicated he was arrested and accused of aggravated assault in Country Club Hills, specifically for allegedly threatening an ATM technician with a BB gun. It paints a complex picture, to say the least.

For now, the legal process continues. Todd Sherman is scheduled to appear in court again on September 9th. This case certainly highlights the critical importance of legitimate emergency services and the public trust they depend on. Impersonating such vital roles isn't just a legal matter; it's a profound breach of that community trust, potentially endangering real responders and the public alike.