NEW VIDEO: Out-of-State Suspects Accused of Impersonating Homeland Security in Jonesboro

New Video

Aug. 11

JONESBORO, Ark. — Two out-of-state suspects are accused of traveling to Arkansas and imitating federal law enforcement in an apparent scheme uncovered during a report of a robbery in the Ridgepointe neighborhood in Jonesboro.

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The probable cause affidavit says that on Aug. 6, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Jonesboro responded to a call involving possible impersonation of special agents. Jonesboro police had been dispatched to a home in the 2300 block of Ridgepointe Drive for a reported robbery in progress. Officers arrived to find a woman inside, later identified as Traneisha Hall, who claimed to have “Homeland Security” credentials. She told police she was with a man named Michael D. Jackson, who she said was a U.S. marshal.

As officers were speaking with Hall, a black Nissan SUV pulled up and a man inside — later identified as Jackson — showed an identification card that claimed he was a special agent with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Investigators determined the identification was fraudulent. Police also discovered Jackson had a suspended driver’s license.

Jackson’s ID card appeared to be the same structure as an official federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card. The card showed “Department of Homeland Security” printed on the top left of the card, along with the official seal. The card identified Jackson as a special agent who was not to be detained or questioned.

According to the affidavit, officers later searched the SUV and found firearms, ammunition, marijuana, handcuffs, tactical gear with “Special Operations” patches, and other law enforcement-style equipment. Officers also reported finding cash, body armor, and weapons on the suspects.

HSI agents say Jackson continued to identify himself as a Homeland Security special agent during questioning, claiming he had been in the role since 2024.

Hall allegedly told officers she was waiting for her official Homeland Security badge. While Hall showed the officers her phone, two officers reported observing a text message sent to “husband” saying “stay away.”

Neither Jackson nor Hall is employed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security or any other U.S. government agency, investigators said.

Michael Jackson, 38, of Memphis, is facing charges of second-degree forgery, a Class C felony; first-degree criminal impersonation of a law enforcement officer, a Class D felony; driving with a suspended license; possession of a Schedule VI controlled substance; and carrying a weapon.

Traneshia Renea Hall, 33, of Southaven, MS, is facing charges of first-degree criminal impersonation of a law enforcement officer, a Class D felony, and possession of a Schedule VI controlled substance.

On Monday, August 11, both suspects appeared in court. Hall, appearing first, had bail set at $250,000 cash or surety. Jackson’s bail was set at $300,000. Both came with orders for a GPS ankle monitor and no contact with the victim.

Deputy Prosecutor Andrew Nadzam noted he has been in touch with Homeland Security, describing them as concerned and interested in the case. He mentioned the possibility that federal charges will be brought.

All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.