Times Staff Report

VALPARAISO | A Valparaiso man was sentenced to community service Monday after pleading guilty to impersonating a Portage police officer last summer.

Rodney Hatchett Jr., 21, was sentenced to 1.5 years behind bars, with all but time served suspended, according to court records.

He was ordered to complete 30 days of community service and 45 days of day reporting. The balance of the 1.5-year term will be spent on formal probation.

Police said Hatchett, after an Aug. 11 traffic dispute, followed a couple to their home on Sturgeon Drive in Union Township. The couple told police the man identified himself as an officer and said he followed them because they were swerving. They, however, said Hatchett was tailgating them.

Police said they spotted Hatchett's car on nearby Riviera Road and he said he used his bail enforcement officer badge after the couple tailgated him.

The plea agreement in the case allows Hatchett to later petition the court to reduce his charge to a misdemeanor.