Fake alderman busted by pastor

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CHICAGO, July 4 (UPI) -- Chicago police said a man accused of impersonating an alderman was busted by a pastor who is familiar with the real official.

Police said a man called the Rev. John Harrell of Faith Community Baptist Church and claimed to be Alderman Michael Chandler, 24th district, when asking if the pastor would buy tickets to a play being held as a political fundraiser at the Goodman Theater, the Chicago Sun-Times reported Wednesday.

Harrell, who knows the real Chandler, called police and an officer hid under a blanket in the church's van when the religious leader met with the man, who in person claimed to be an aide to Chandler and sold Harrell phony theater tickets for $20.

Leon Swan, 52, was arrested and charged with falsely impersonating a public employee. Swan, who was also charged with felony drug possession after heroin was allegedly found in his shoe, was ordered held in lieu of $50,000 bail.