Former Tampa Police Officer Arrested After Trying to Use Fake Credentials for Security License

Staff Reporter | iSkyNews.com (ISC News)

Published October 5th, 2025

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Former Tampa Police Officer Arrested After Trying to Use Fake Credentials for Security License

TAMPA, Fla. (iSkyNews.com) — A former Tampa Police Department officer has been arrested after allegedly trying to use a forged law enforcement ID to get a security license, according to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE).

Deni Antonic, 40, of New Port Richey, is charged with false impersonation and uttering a forged instrument, both felony offenses. Antonic resigned from the Tampa Police Department before completing his probationary period.

How the Investigation Began

FDLE said the case started when Tampa Police notified state agents about the arrest of one of their own employees — Antonic’s wife, a latent print analyst — who had been accused of forging law enforcement credentials for her husband.

Investigators found that Antonic used those fake credentials in an attempt to get an Armed Security Officer license through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS).

Fortunately, a vigilant FDACS employee spotted the suspicious ID and contacted Tampa Police. The agencies then worked together with FDLE, leading to Antonic’s arrest.

“When a law enforcement officer in the state of Florida chooses to defraud the system, it is a disappointment and a betrayal of public trust,” said FDLE Commissioner Mark Glass. “Through the partnerships of law enforcement and civilians, we continue to uphold integrity and justice in the free state of Florida.”

“This fraudulent attempt to obtain an armed security officer license using a fake law enforcement credential was quickly spotted thanks to the vigilance of our employee,” said Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson. “Let this be a reminder that attempts to cheat the system rarely succeed.”

Arrest and Ongoing Case

Antonic was booked into the Pasco County Detention Center on October 1. His case will be prosecuted by the State Attorney’s Office for the 13th Judicial Circuit.

FDLE officials say the investigation remains active.

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