CHARLES TOWN, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A Florida man was convicted on Thursday following a May arrest for the fraudulent reporting of multiple emergency situations.
According to the Charles Town Police Department, on May 3rd, 2023, officers with the Charles Town Police Department conducted the arrest of an individual in the area of Charles Town City Hall – 101 East Washington Street – for two counts of falsely reporting an emergency incident after officers had initially responded to a reported disturbance.
The individual – identified by officers as Asif Khan of Tampa, Florida – is reportedly an active user of several social media sites and is known to post videos of himself interacting with law enforcement officers throughout the country while in character.
One such character portrayed by Khan is that of “Butterfly Boy.” This character was represented in a video of the arrest which was purportedly edited prior to being shared to multiple social media sites. The video in question is said to have cast the two arresting officers in a negative light.
“Mr. Khan’s actions tied up the Jefferson County 911 emergency communications center when its services could have been required to respond to a life-endangering emergency in the county,” said the Charles Town PD of the impact of the individual’s conduct.
“Mr. Khan’s actions not only disrupted operations within city and county government offices, but also local law enforcement agencies.”
On Thursday, October 12th, 2023, Khan appeared with counsel in Jefferson County Magistrate Court regarding the charges of two counts of falsely reporting an emergency incident. A guilty plea was entered for one count of falsely reporting an emergency incident as charged.
“From the onset of this incident, Chief Chris Kutcher was confident that his officers applied the law equally, fairly, and appropriately. Chief Kutcher believes Mr. Kahn’s conviction affirms that his arrest was lawful and appropriate,” said the Charles Town PD of the conviction.
“The Charles Town Police Department is a strong advocate for all citizens’ rights guaranteed by our Constitution, including the First Amendment. We are dedicated to providing for the general protection, safety, and well-being of the residents, businesses, and visitors of the City of Charles Town.”