A man identified as Joshua M. Culver has been taken into federal custody in Colorado on charges related to allegedly forging Chief Justice John Roberts' signature on a fabricated Supreme Court order. The alleged intent was to dismiss a criminal case against him in Indiana.
Culver, who authorities say also used the alias "Maverick A. Young," was arrested last Friday following an indictment by a federal grand jury in Indiana. The indictment includes four counts of falsely impersonating a U.S. officer or employee and one count related to using a forged federal judge's signature and a counterfeit court seal.
Federal prosecutors assert that on September 24, 2025, Culver submitted a document titled "Order of Dismissal With Prejudice" in a criminal proceeding against him in Grant County Superior Court, Indiana. This document, according to the indictment, featured a forged signature of Chief Justice Roberts and a fake U.S. Supreme Court seal, ostensibly to validate the dismissal order.
Pattern of Impersonation Allegations
This alleged attempt to use the nation's highest court was reportedly not Culver's initial endeavor to falsely represent himself as a federal official, prosecutors say.
Alleged NSA Agent Pretence
Five days prior to the alleged Roberts forgery, Culver is accused of contacting the Tippecanoe County Sheriff's Office, claiming to be an agent with the National Security Agency (NSA). The indictment states that Culver used this supposed authority to make requests that prosecutors believe the sheriff's office would not typically fulfill. These included asking deputies to perform a welfare check on his biological daughter and to provide details regarding her whereabouts.
He also allegedly requested the names and information of sheriff's office personnel, asserting he could take "adverse action" against the department in his alleged capacity as an NSA agent.
The "Individual A" Incident
The following day, September 20, 2025, Culver allegedly placed a call to the workplace of an individual, referred to in the indictment only as "Individual A." Prosecutors contend that Culver falsely presented himself as a federal agent, claiming the person was "obstructing a federal investigation of a child kidnapping" and threatening that the individual could face arrest for a federal felony. He also reportedly asked the employer to intervene and ensure the individual's cooperation.
Claims as a "Special Master"
Several months later, in January 2026, Culver allegedly communicated with the Lake County clerk, with the message directed to a Superior Court judge. In this communication, he reportedly identified himself as a "Special Master enforcing orders of the United States Supreme Court." Prosecutors claim Culver asserted he possessed the authority to issue orders and warrants, demanding that the judge and court staff undertake various actions. These demands included making alterations to vital records and dismissing cases and judgments against him.
The indictment further alleges that Culver issued a warning that if officials failed to comply, he and U.S. Marshals would carry out arrests for "impeding a federal agent, lying to a federal agent, and conspiracy."
"Director of Tailored Access Operations" Impersonation
In February, Culver allegedly adopted another false federal identity, presenting himself as the "Director of Tailored Access Operations." The indictment describes this as a purported intelligence agency. Prosecutors allege that Culver submitted a document titled "OFFICIAL SENSITIVE: TAILORED ACCESS OPERATIONS (TAO) COMPLIANCE DIRECTIVE" in Lake County Superior Court, related to a case he had pending there.
This document, which reportedly bore official letterhead, allegedly described Culver as a "federal asset" involved in numerous investigations. It also demanded that officials comply with a purported "federal directive" by taking a series of actions. These demands, according to the indictment, included dismissing the case against Culver with prejudice, quashing warrants, and compelling Lake County officials to cooperate with a purported "federal audit."
Arrest and Legal Representation
Bloomberg Law reported that Culver was apprehended on August 21, and the Office of the Federal Public Defender for the District of Colorado has been appointed to provide his legal representation.
