Florida Man Arrested in Tennessee After Police Find Fake FBI Badges, Weapons and Drugs in Vehicle

A Florida man has been arrested in Tennessee after police found him in possession of items resembling law enforcement equipment. Authorities discovered Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) badges, weapons and suspected drugs in his car.

The suspect was identified as Cody Strausborger. Police also learned that he is a convicted felon in Indiana. The case came to light on April 27 when Strausborger was driving on Hillwood Drive near Island Home Avenue around 8 p.m.

Officers grew suspicious when they saw him taking photos of a home in the area. He continued driving with his cell phone in his right hand. Police also noticed that his brake light was broken, so they conducted a traffic stop.

During questioning, a K9 officer alerted authorities about the suspected presence of drugs in the vehicle. Officers then searched his car and found over 15 badges that resembled those worn by FBI and other law enforcement agents. Police also found FBI-branded clothing and folders.

“Inside the vehicle, officers located 15 metal shields appearing to be FBI and other agency special agent credential badges, FBI clothing and several FBI folders,” authorities said in the arrest report.

Police also found multiple weapons, including airsoft guns, three rifle barrels, 61 rounds of ammunition, three wooden rifle stocks, a sword, a metal fixed blade knife with integrated brass knuckles and several large knives.

Authorities also suspect Strausborger possessed marijuana and drug paraphernalia such as glass pipes and a grinder. The accused was arrested on the spot, given his criminal history and the risk that he could impersonate an FBI officer.

“Based on the suspicious nature of the items located in the vehicle and the potential impersonation of a federal officer, I deemed the items suspicious and confiscated them for investigation,” a police officer wrote in the arrest report.

Strausborger is facing drug charges and unlawful possession of a weapon by a convicted felon. Police have sought assistance from an FBI agent, and the investigation remains ongoing. He is being held at the Knox County Detention Facility.

The case comes just a day after another man pleaded guilty to impersonating federal agents after being found with a fake FBI badge and Border Patrol sticker. Jamie Ernesto Alvarez-Gonzalez, a Mexican native, was arrested in January 2026 after following Border Patrol agents during operations.

Alvarez-Gonzalez allegedly drove a Ford F-150 designed to look like an undercover federal vehicle and installed non-working radio antennas. According to authorities, his goal was to interfere with law enforcement operations. He pleaded guilty on April 28 and now faces sentencing.