SHAKER HEIGHTS, Ohio, July 4 (UPI) -- An Ohio man has been charged with impersonating a diplomat from the Vatican while trying to buy a car, prosecutors said.
Derek J. Bishop, 42, of Shaker Heights, has been charged with fictitious obligations, impersonating a diplomat and wire fraud, The (Cleveland) Plain Dealer reported.
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Ohio said Bishop used fake checks to buy a 2013 Nissan Armada for $54,098 from Ganley Nissan in Mayfield Heights. At the dealership, Bishop allegedly claimed he was a foreign diplomat of the Vatican/Postmaster General of the Divine Province in an attempt to avoid paying taxes on the car.
Bishop allegedly claimed to be a Vatican diplomat while demanding his release from the Cuyahoga County Jail, his indictment states.
Bishop pleaded not guilty Wednesday to all charges against him.
