Jesus Avilas, 36, 300 block of East New York Street,

A 36-year-old Aurora man has been charged with impersonating a police officer, and Aurora police are asking the public if they’ve had contact with the with him in the past.

Jesus Avilas, 36, 300 block of East New York Street, allegedly represented himself as a U.S. Marshal on Oct. 3 to steal fuel from an Aurora gas station. Police believe he may have previously attempted the ruse.

Avilas entered a gas station in the 1000 block of North Lake Street around 7 a.m. on Oct. 3 and asked the clerk to activate one of the station’s pumps, according to Aurora Police Department spokesman Dan Ferrelli. Because the pumps are pre-pay, the clerk hesitated to comply with Avilas’ request, Ferrelli said.

At that time, Avilas allegedly pulled a badge from his wallet that identified him as a U.S. Marshal and told the clerk his credit card was in his vehicle.

The clerk activated the pump and Avilas pumped $37 worth of gas into his vehicle before leaving the station without paying, Ferrelli said. As Avilas took-off westbound on Northpark Avenue, the clerk noted his license plate and contacted police.

An investigation was started and a warrant for Avilas’ arrest was issued on Oct. 19. Avilas was taken into custody on Oct. 20 for impersonating a police officer, a Class 4 felony, and misdemeanor theft.

“Ironically, an Aurora Police investigator assigned to the U.S. Marshals Great Lakes Fugitive Task Force spotted a vehicle parked outside the apartment building where Avilas lived” that matched the one spotted at the crime scene, Ferrelli said. Avilas was taken into custody when he went to get inside his vehicle.

A search of Avilas’ home turned-up a badge similar to the one used in the theft along with several other pieces of police-related paraphernalia and a replica handgun, Ferrelli said. Investigators believe that Avilas may have attempted similar ruses and are asking anyone who may have been victimized or witnessed him impersonating an officer, to contact them.

“Based on evidence recovered at the scene and from what we’ve heard from people in the neighborhood, it certainly appears (Avilas) has displayed this type of behavior before,” Ferrelli said.

Anyone with information is urged to call Aurora Police Investigations at (630) 256-5500.

— Man charged with posing as an Aurora cop —