A Houston man has been arrested and charged with impersonating a public servant, marking the second time he has faced such allegations.
Maurice Calvin Turner, 43, was taken into custody on Jan. 5, 2025, after allegedly posing as a City of Houston employee to defraud a local resident.
Authorities say Turner approached the woman on Jan. 4 claiming to be a city official and offering to paint her address on her curb for payment. Believing Turner’s claims, the woman agreed to his request.
KPRC 2 reporter Corley Peel obtained neighbors’ doorbell ring cameras showing Turner appearing to knock on their doors. The video shows him wearing a yellow safety vest while holding onto a clipboard with pink slips. He also appears to be talking to someone on a walkie talkie.
Two different neighbors told Corley that Turner offered to paint their addresses on their curb for $25. He ended up giving them a senior discount of $20. The neighbors received a fake copy of a notice from Turner. The paper mentions the curb updates were needed to help police and fire find their addresses. The notice even cites a section of the City of Houston Ordinance. They neighbors were shocked to learn that Turner was not a real employee but were still satisfied with the work he did on their curbs.
A different neighbor named Alberto, told Corley that Turner stopped by his house, but he did not need the service, so he turned down Turner’s offer. Alberto said he was skeptical of Turner because he said he would have to pay in cash.
He is currently in jail on a $20,000 bond, with his first court appearance scheduled for Jan. 6.
This is not Turner’s first encounter with similar allegations. Court records reveal that he was convicted of impersonating a public servant in Galveston County on Nov. 20, 2003. In that case, Turner was sentenced to seven years in the Texas Department of Corrections, with the sentence probated.
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A spokesperson with the City of Houston told KPRC 2 painting curbs and sidewalks is not a function of Public Works. Anyone who is a city employee should have a vest and a proper badge. Those with concerns are encouraged to contact 311 and the Houston Police Department.