Photo: Shutterstock A Pennsylvania man is facing federal charges after allegedly posing as an FBI agent and attempting to conduct what he described as a "security check" at a Philadelphia supermarket while carrying a loaded firearm.
United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that 54-year-old Seok Joon Lee of Jenkintown, Pennsylvania, has been indicted on one count of impersonating a federal officer and acting as such.
According to the indictment, the incident occurred on April 22, 2026, when Lee allegedly entered a supermarket in Philadelphia dressed in attire resembling that of a law enforcement officer.
Federal prosecutors say Lee was wearing a bulletproof vest and a duty belt commonly associated with police officers. He was also carrying a holstered handgun loaded with 13 rounds of live ammunition, along with two additional magazines.
Authorities allege that Lee identified himself as an FBI agent to a supermarket security guard and attempted to carry out a security inspection of the premises.
When officers from the Philadelphia Police Department arrived at the scene, Lee allegedly told them he was an "undercover FBI" agent. He reportedly claimed that his credentials and FBI identification number could be found elsewhere.
If convicted, Lee faces a maximum sentence of three years in federal prison, in addition to potential monetary penalties.
The case is being investigated by the FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Philadelphia Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael R. Miller and Nelson S.T. Thayer Jr. are prosecuting the case.
Federal authorities noted that the indictment contains allegations only and that Lee is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.