PITTSBURGH — The president of a well-known, local LGBTQ group is accused of impersonating a sheriff’s deputy.
Gary Van Horn, who heads the Delta Foundation – the largest gay rights organization in the region – is crucial in organizing Pittsburgh Pride events.
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He turned himself in to police Wednesday, as investigators said he impersonated a public servant and forged documents to make him look official.
According to police documents, Van Horn pretended to be with Pittsburgh Emergency Management. Troopers said in April 2019, he went to a fire on South Aiken Avenue – which is very close to his home – directed traffic, and even wore an emergency vest.
Van Horn’s car was also equipped with lights and sirens, police said.
According to state police, Van Horn had forged papers documenting he was an emergency responder – with Allegheny County Sheriff William Mullen’s fake signature on it.
Van Horn’s attorney told Channel 11 it “looks bad” based on the criminal complaint, but he said it always looks bad in the beginning.
“(Van Horn)’s mortified. This is somebody who gave his whole life and now he is being accused of very, very serious felonies,” said attorney Phil DiLucente.
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