Fairmont Heights Mayor Acquitted of Police Impersonation

A Prince George's County jury on Thursday acquitted the mayor of Fairmount Heights of impersonating a police officer and illegally transporting a firearm.

After a two-day trial, the jury deliberated for 3 1/2 hours before acquitting Nathaniel R. Mines Jr., 40.

Mines was on the Fairmount Heights Town Council when he was arrested in February at a Knights of Columbus Hall where he was working security. Prosecutors said Mines told county police he was a member of the Fairmount Heights police force and had a gun and police lights in his car, according to evidence.

"I'm glad it's over. I've always had faith in the justice system," Mines said.

-- Ruben Castaneda