Jason Marty

Jason Marty stands with his lawyer in Central District Court.

(Scott J. Croteau | MassLive.com)

WORCESTER - A city man allegedly pretending to be a police officer during a drug deal didn't realize the person next to him actually was a cop, authorities said.

Jason Marty, 34, of 35 Edgeworth St., Apt. 1, Worcester was arraigned in Central District Court Monday on charges of impersonating a police officer and armed robbery after an alleged drug deal Saturday with an undercover officer.

Worcester Police and State Police Gang Unit members were conducting a joint drug investigation in the Pleasant Street area Saturday when an undercover officer began speaking to Marty, according to court records.

The two discussed a drug buy and Marty got into the undercover officer's car. Marty allegedly wanted $40 for drugs, but the undercover officer refused, the record said.

"At this time Marty became hostile and told the UC that he was a police officer and that the UC was in big trouble," court records said.

Marty allegedly got out of the car and walked over to the undercover officer's window on the driver's side. He asked for the undercover officer's license and registration. The undercover officer asked Marty if he was a cop.

"I told you I was a cop," Marty said, according to court records. "Then Marty forcibly grabbed the $40.00 cash out of the UC's hand and walked toward the rear of the UC's vehicle."

Police said Marty then came back and demanded the undercover officer's license and registration again, records said. The undercover officer handed over his license.

Marty allegedly walked away, pulled open the lapel of his shirt and mimicked talking into a police radio, police said.

"Marty then returned to the driver's window and then told the UC that he needed his registration 'now'," the statement of facts on file in court said. Marty allegedly pretended to have a badge.

Authorities said the undercover officer's cell phone rang during the exchange. Marty was irritated and asked if the undercover officer was actually going to answer it, records said.

"This is your lucky day," Marty allegedly said, handing the undercover officer his license back.

Marty walked away, but was then tracked down by the officers who had been watching and listening to the whole exchange.

He was arrested and the money was recovered.

Marty was held for 30 days without bail after he was arraigned in court. A probation official said Marty has a 16-page criminal record and was already on probation at the time of the alleged incident. Bail was set at $10,000 cash on the new arrest and the case was continued to July 28.

Defense attorney Christine Martin said her client is accused of armed robbery but didn't have a weapon. He denied the accusations, she said.