Florida Department of Law Enforcement
Mark Glass, Commissioner
Florida Department of Law Enforcement
Mark Glass, Commissioner
FDLE arrests former Tampa PD officer for uttering forged identification
For Immediate Release
October 3, 2025
TAMPA, Fla. – The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) arrested Deni Antonic, 40, of New Port Richey, on charges of false impersonation and uttering a forged instrument, both felonies. Antonic is a former Tampa Police Department (TPD) officer who resigned before successfully completing probation.
The investigation began when agents were informed by the TPD of a recent arrest of an employee for forging law enforcement credentials for her husband, Antonic. Antonic’s wife who forged the credentials, was a then-latent print analyst for TPD.
The investigation revealed that Antonic attempted to use the forged credentials to try and obtain an Armed Security Officer license from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). FDACS employee recognized the credentials were false and alerted TPD. TPD then worked with FDLE to conduct the investigation which ultimately resulted in Antonic’s felony arrest.
“When a law enforcement officer in the state of Florida chooses to defraud the system, it is a disappointment and a betrayal of public trust,” said FDLE Commissioner Mark Glass. “Through the partnerships of law enforcement and civilians, we continue to uphold integrity and justice in the free state of Florida.”
“This fraudulent attempt to obtain an armed security officer license using a fake law enforcement credential was quickly spotted thanks to the vigilance of our employee,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson. “We also appreciate the diligent work of FDLE and the Tampa Police Department in investigating this case and holding those responsible accountable. Let this be a reminder that attempts to cheat the system rarely succeed, and when they do our team is ready to stop them.”
On October 1, Antonic was taken into custody and booked into the Pasco County Detention Center. The case will be prosecuted by the State Attorney’s Office, 13th Judicial Circuit.
The investigation is currently active.
For Further Information Contact:
FDLE Office of Public Information
FDLE is composed of five areas: Executive Direction and Business Support, Criminal Investigations and Forensic Science, Criminal Justice Information, Criminal Justice Professionalism and Florida Capitol Police. FDLE’s duties, responsibilities and procedures are mandated through Chapter 943, FS, and Chapter 11, FAC. To learn more about these areas, read our Statement of Agency Organization and Operation or visit our Open Government page.
