A former Capitol Security officer from Minnesota has been sentenced after admitting to driving while intoxicated during an incident in which he also pretended to be a state trooper. Cristian Orea, 39, received 30 days of house arrest and two years of probation after pleading guilty to a fourth-degree DWI charge. According to court records, the more serious accusation of impersonating a peace officer will be dismissed if he successfully follows all the rules of his probation.
The case began when officers were called to a restaurant where Orea had reportedly been drinking. Witnesses told police that he acted as though he was a Minnesota state trooper while interacting with staff and customers. When officers arrived, they determined that he was intoxicated. Orea was arrested, and during the investigation, police discovered he had a handgun with him at the time of the incident.
Prosecutors originally filed multiple charges, including a third-degree DWI and carrying a pistol while under the influence of alcohol. However, those charges were dismissed as part of the plea agreement. Orea chose to plead guilty to the lesser fourth-degree DWI charge, which typically carries lighter penalties for first-time or lower-level offenders.
By accepting the plea deal, Orea avoided jail time but will still face restrictions meant to hold him accountable and prevent repeated behavior. His 30 days of house arrest require him to stay at home except for approved activities such as work, medical appointments, or court-related obligations. For the next two years, he must follow all probation rules, which may include alcohol monitoring, regular check-ins with a probation officer, and staying out of legal trouble. If he completes probation without any violations, the impersonation charge—one of the more serious allegations—will be cleared from his record.
The incident has raised concerns due to Orea’s former role in Capitol Security, a position that requires trust and professionalism. While the court has given him a chance to avoid long-term legal consequences, the conditions of his sentence emphasize accountability and aim to ensure that he does not repeat similar behavior.
Overall, the case highlights how law enforcement officials are still held to the same legal standards as the public, particularly when alcohol and firearms are involved. Orea’s sentence reflects the court’s attempt to balance accountability with an opportunity for rehabilitation.
