45°
John Francis McCarthy, the estranged son of a sitting New Jersey judge, was charged with impersonating a public servant and harassment in February. Now, he’s firing back, calling the charges a “twisted lie” by law enforcement.
“I HAVE NEVER claimed to be a government employee to anyone, anywhere, EVER,” McCarthy wrote in a series of emails to local news outlets. Instead, he says he is a concerned Uber driver who has “legally and lawfully” volunteered information to law enforcement.
McCarthy’s Defense: A Civilian Trying To Help?
McCarthy claims that during his Feb. 15 encounter with Quarryville Borough Police, he made it clear he was not a sworn officer but was attempting to assist in identifying drug dealers and reporting crime. He also says Lancaster City narcotics Detective Adam Flurry had acknowledged a prior conversation with him about working as a confidential informant—though police have declined to comment on this claim, citing an ongoing investigation.
His father, a judge in Princeton, allegedly taught him that civilians have a right to assist law enforcement within certain limits. “That’s all I have attempted to do, which is why I plan to fight this false accusation to the fullest extent of the law,” McCarthy wrote.
McCarthy has since demanded the release of police bodycam footage from the incident, filing a "right to know" request for evidence he believes will prove his innocence. “If I did impersonate a government employee, why was I not detained/arrested on the spot?” he asked in a letter to a local judge.
During his defense, McCarthy pointed to his past public visibility, including an interview with 69 News WFMZ while volunteering for the Trump campaign. He shared a still image from the segment and a YouTube link to the full interview, claiming it supports his credibility. He also referenced a photo from a Trump rally, where law enforcement officers were present.
More recently, on Feb. 28, McCarthy claimed he “lawfully assisted police” after capturing a Point Pleasant, NJ, car crash on his dashcam. He uploaded the footage to YouTube and emailed news outlets, arguing that his actions prove he is a “good citizen” and not an impersonator. However, police have not confirmed whether his involvement had any official impact on the investigation.
The Warrant Questions
While proclaiming his innocence in the Quarryville case, McCarthy also addressed reports that he has open warrants in Florida and Texas. He insists the Florida warrant is a misdemeanor battery charge from a 2022 incident when he interrupted a CBS news broadcast to make a statement about COVID-19 vaccines.
McCarthy also admitted to having a Texas warrant for unlawful restraint, which he claims was the result of a “double parking” dispute outside a laundromat. He maintains that neither case proves he is a criminal or a fraud.
The Push For ‘The Truth’
Despite initially refusing press interviews on the advice of attorneys, McCarthy has now taken an aggressive stance, calling out what he believes is a politically motivated smear campaign.
“The Quarryville Police Department must be sued as soon as possible,” McCarthy wrote. He also accused officers of “twisting words” to frame him, stating, “Corrupt members of the Quarryville Police Department are twisting the truth to paint me as someone that I am not!”
Authorities in Quarryville have not provided any further public comment beyond their original announcement of McCarthy’s arrest.
Anyone with additional information regarding McCarthy’s alleged activities is asked to contact Officer Keene at keenej@quarryvillepd.org.
McCarthy remains presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Enola-East Pennsboro and receive free news updates.
