RAYMOND — The Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office says a Raymond woman has been charged with impersonating a federal officer.

Authorities told WGME-TV that Julie Sutherland posed as a federal animal welfare agent to trick a Casco woman into giving up her horse last month by claiming it was being neglected.

When the woman and her boyfriend asked Sutherland for her federal credentials, she couldn’t produce them, so they went to police.

The sheriff’s office didn’t arrest Sutherland, but issued her a summons to court last Friday. She is facing up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine.

Sutherland had no comment when contacted.

Police say everyone has the right to ask for proper identification from anyone claiming to be a law enforcement officer.