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No charges for federal agent who impersonated Plymouth town manager
Authorities say the Holliston man posed as the town manager to file a complaint about cars wrapped in Christmas lights.
A Plymouth District Court judge has dismissed a charge against a U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer accused of impersonating the town manager there.
Christopher Marden had used the name and information of Plymouth Town Manager Derek Brindisi to complain about a Facebook post on which police seemed to be supporting residents who illegally decorated their cars with Christmas lights.
Plymouth Police charged Marden, 36, of Holliston with identity fraud last fall. He was arraigned on Oct. 16, 2025, and released on personal recognizance.
Judge Hon. John Canavan dismissed the charge on April 14, finding that Marden did not meet the criteria for identity fraud.
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In a motion to reconsider, Marden’s lawyer, Anthony Riccio, wrote that Marden does not contest probable cause with respect to the first three elements of the crime: posing as another person, doing so without authorization, and with intent to pose that person.
However, Riccio argued, Marden did not do so to obtain money or services, or with the intent to harass another person.
There is only evidence, Riccio argued, that Marden used the name, publicly available email, and work address of a town official to make a traffic complaint on a website that allows people to submit complaints.
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Marden also presented evidence of a “valid medical condition,” of “light sensitivity,” as an explanation for the nature of the traffic complaint.
“While his actions may not have been appropriate,” Marden, his lawyer, wrote, he “was making a valid complaint based on his medical condition and attempted to do so anonymously.”
There is a MassDOT record showing that Marden is allowed to drive with tinted windows due to his medical condition.
“While I don’t believe charges should’ve been brought in the first place, we’re happy the case was dismissed, and Mr. Marden can put this matter behind him,” Riccio said in a statement to Boston.com.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection did not immediately respond to a request for additional information on whether Marden is still employed or if an internal investigation is ongoing.
Plymouth also did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
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