Massachusetts Man Indicted for Allegedly Impersonating Federal Authority Through Fraudulent Use of Government Seals

A Massachusetts man has been indicted and arrested on federal charges alleging the unauthorized and fraudulent use of official United States government seals in connection with a nationwide training operation that presented itself as a federally endorsed emergency response entity.

Mario Cesar Dos Santos, Jr., 50, has been charged by indictment with fraudulent use of government seals. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison. The indictment was announced by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida.

According to federal charging documents, Dos Santos served as president of an organization operating under the name Chaplain Emergency Management Agency Inc. (CEMA). Prosecutors allege that Dos Santos falsely represented CEMA as a government agency affiliated with or endorsed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Investigators assert that Dos Santos used official seals belonging to FEMA, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) without authorization. Neither Dos Santos nor CEMA is affiliated with DHS, FEMA, FBI, or any other federal agency, and neither was granted permission to use official insignia or seals.

Federal law strictly prohibits the unauthorized use or imitation of official government seals in a manner that conveys false endorsement or affiliation. Such conduct is prosecuted to preserve institutional integrity and prevent public deception.

Court documents outline that Dos Santos organized chaplaincy and emergency response training courses across multiple states. At these events, participants allegedly received identification cards, law enforcement-style badges, certificates of completion, and branded merchandise bearing altered or unaltered federal seals.

According to the indictment, identification cards distributed at training sessions included a modified version of the DHS seal, altered to read “U.S. Department of Homeland Chaplain.” The reverse side of the cards allegedly displayed the DHS/FEMA seal without modification. Certificates issued to trainees reportedly bore the FBI seal alongside a version of a modified FEMA seal incorporated into CEMA’s logo.

Authorities further allege that CEMA offered merchandise—including polo shirts, jackets, bumper stickers, badge holders, and metallic badges—displaying DHS or FEMA insignia. Investigators contend that CEMA’s website and social media platforms prominently displayed altered government seals and identified the organization as a federal entity.

During an undercover operation conducted at a CEMA training session on September 27, 2025, a confidential informant reportedly purchased merchandise bearing the disputed insignia. The operation formed part of the evidentiary foundation for the indictment.

In addition to the seal-related allegations, court filings state that Dos Santos is a Brazilian national who entered the United States in 2016 and subsequently overstayed his visa. He is currently undergoing deportation proceedings. In connection with his immigration matter, prosecutors allege that he submitted fraudulent documentation, including a purported Certificate of Ordination and a diploma from an entity identified as the “University of Berkley” in Michigan, which investigators state does not exist.

An indictment constitutes a formal accusation. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

The investigation was conducted by the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with support from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Fraud Detection and National Security Directorate, and the Federal Air Marshal Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Belkis H. Callaos.

The charges underscore federal enforcement priorities surrounding the misuse of official insignia, impersonation of federal authority, and the safeguarding of public trust in government institutions.

Federal court filings include redacted photographic exhibits depicting the identification cards, certificates, badges, and merchandise allegedly bearing the altered and unaltered federal seals referenced in the indictment. These evidentiary images are part of the government’s charging record and were obtained during the investigation, including materials acquired through the September 27, 2025 undercover operation. The images are reproduced below for reference, along with the criminal indictment and related charging complaint filed in the case.

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United States District Court, Middle District of Florida, Ocala Division — United States v. Mario Cesar Dos Santos, Jr., Case No. 5:26-cr-00017-TPB-PRL, Indictment filed February 24, 2026, charging violation of 18 U.S.C. § 506(a)(2) This citation references the official federal indictment on file with the court and reflects the charging language contained in Count One and related forfeiture provisions.

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United States District Court, Middle District of Florida, Ocala Division — United States v. Mario Cesar Dos Santos, Jr., Criminal Complaint, Case No. 5:26-mj-1025-PRL, filed January 30, 2026, charging violation of 18 U.S.C. § 506(a)(2) This citation reflects the sworn DHS OIG affidavit, undercover operation details, evidentiary photographs, payment records, immigration findings, and probable cause determination contained within the 16-page criminal complaint.

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