MINNEAPOLIS – A Dodge Center man who apparently aspired to be a federal agent admitted that he only pretended to be. Reyel D. Simmons, 53, pleaded guilty in federal court to impersonating a Homeland Security officer. He also pleaded guilty to illegal possession of firearms, which, as a convicted felon, were supposed to be off limits. Judge Eric C. Tostrud delayed sentencing for the time being. Simmons’ fantasy, according to the criminal complaint, was extensive. On the site TokTok, where he went by Key Reeves, he described a life of action as a government to 10,000 followers. When he was arrested in September 2021, agents – real agents – found a bunker-like basement safe room accessible only through a hidden door. Inside there was a stockpile of the trappings of a lawman, including weapons. Simmons not only acted out his fantasy online but in real life. On one occasion, according to the criminal complaint, he hopped out of his car at an accident, pointed a gun at the people in the other car, handcuffed the driver, and butt-headed the passenger. The weapon, it turned out, was a BB pellet gun.
Trappings of delusion. Among paraphernalia confiscated in a raid on his basement. bunker.
Simmons profile
Prosecutors say Simmons never worked for Homeland Security or any government agency. His most recent job was a temp-placement position at a manufacturing plant Shakopee. He lived in Dodge Center, 20 miles west of Rochester. Online he referred to a “go bag” that bore the DHS emblem and contained a Glock handgun, a fake DHS badge and other items that he touted as evidence of a career in law enforcement and the military. None of it was so, prosecutors say.
Simmons. As Key Reeves he was quite the man of action. No, the badge isn’t real.