MAHWAH-- A New York man pretended to be a police officer in order to get his brother released after the brother was arrested on marijuana possession charges, NorthJersey.com reported.

Justin Wunderlich, of Hopewell Junction, N.Y., was arrested Saturday after he was allegedly found with marijuana, including medical marijuana police said Wunderlich admitted was stolen.

As Wunderlich was being processed at the police station, the arresting officer received a phone call from a man claiming to be "Officer Mackey" of the Fishkill, N.Y., police department, authorities said. The "officer" allegedly said Wunderlich was part of an undercover operation and demanded his release.

After calling Fishkill police, authorities in Mahwah learned there was no "Officer Mackey" on the department and determined that the call had been placed by Brandon Wunderlich, Justin Wunderlich's brother, authorities said.

Brandon Wunderlich was charged with impersonating a police officer, hindering apprehension and obstruction of justice. His brother, who said he had not arranged the call,  was charged with receiving stolen property and drug offenses.

Paul Milo may be reached at pmilo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter@PaulMilo2. Find NJ.com on Facebook.  

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