New Kensington-based constable Herman Staple II is charged with several misdemeanors after being accused of impersonating a police officer and later concealing guns from police in violation of a protection from abuse order.

Officers in New Kensington pulled over Staple in mid-May for driving what appeared to be a police vehicle, according to the criminal complaint against him. Staple was driving a black Chevy Tahoe with a police decal and tinted windows in addition to red, blue and yellow flashing lights. Inside, police said, Staple had a mounted laptop and a vehicle camera like the ones used by police.

The constable identified himself as a retired Pittsburgh police officer, according to the complaint, but police said there was no record of that.

According to the complaint, the constable was a new member of New Kensington Fire Police but had never been part of a police force.

In Pennsylvania, constables are elected or appointed peace officers, who generally perform duties related to the judicial process, such as serving warrants or providing courtroom security. Staple’s term expires at the end of this year.

He was arrested on a charge of impersonating a public servant. Police said they seized a loaded 9 mm handgun from him.

About a month later, a PFA order was issued against Staple, which prohibited him from possessing or acquiring firearms for the duration of the order.

Westmoreland County Sheriffs said Staple initially surrendered three pump shotguns and a .38-caliber revolver, claiming to have no additional firearms.

But sheriffs said they discovered “inconsistencies” with state purchase records, leading them to acquire a warrant to search for more guns at Staple’s home.

Upon searching the house, sheriffs said Staple, 61, admitted several guns were hidden behind a trap door in his closet. There, police located two 9 mm pistols as well as a .40-caliber pistol wrapped in plastic, according to the criminal complaint.

Sheriffs also located two 9 mm polymer “ghost guns” without serial numbers behind the door.

In addition, police said they seized an AR-15 rifle and parts of other guns at the residence.

Staple was charged with nine misdemeanors for allegedly possessing the guns in violation of the PFA order.

Blaine Jones, who is representing Staple for the impersonation charge, did not respond to a TribLive request for comment.

Unable to post bail, Staple is being held at the West­moreland County jail in Hempfield.

His preliminary hearing in Westmoreland County Court for the gun charges is set for July 17. That will be followed by a formal arraignment in district court for the impersonation charge July 30.

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