A Merrick man is accused of impersonating a fire marshal and a Hempstead police officer.

Investigators say Christopher Charles' impersonations were an effort to secure a contract for his fire restoration business.

Charles allegedly went to the home of a house fire victim to get the victim to sign a contract with his company.

Officers say when a competitor pulled up to the victim's home, Charles called the police and claimed he was an officer in need of backup.