A Colorado man has been arrested on federal charges after allegedly using a forged signature of Chief Justice John Roberts on a fake Supreme Court order seeking dismissal of his Indiana criminal case. Joshua M. Culver is accused of falsely impersonating federal officers and employees in several contacts with Indiana officials. Prosecutors also allege that he posed as a National Security Agency agent and a special master while demanding government action. The allegations are contained in a federal indictment and court documents.
Culver was arrested on Aug. 21, 2026, after a federal grand jury in Indiana charged him with four counts of falsely impersonating a U.S. officer or employee and one count involving a forged federal judge’s signature and court seal.
| 1) | Alleged forged Supreme Court dismissal order |
| 2) | Claims of impersonating an NSA agent |
| 3) | Pressure directed at local officials |
| 4) | Additional alleged federal identities |
| 5) | Arrest and federal proceedings |
Alleged forged Supreme Court dismissal order
Prosecutors allege that on Sept. 24, 2025, Culver filed a document titled “Order of Dismissal With Prejudice” in a criminal case pending against him in Grant County Superior Court in Indiana. The filing allegedly used a counterfeit signature of Chief Justice John Roberts and a fake U.S. Supreme Court seal to make the purported order appear authentic.
The alleged objective was to persuade the state court to dismiss Culver’s own criminal case permanently. Authorities say the filing was part of a broader pattern in which he claimed federal authority that prosecutors contend he did not possess. Court documents identify Culver as also using the alias “Maverick A. Young.”
Claims of impersonating an NSA agent
Five days before the alleged Roberts signature forgery, Culver allegedly contacted the Tippecanoe County Sheriff’s Office while presenting himself as a National Security Agency agent. Prosecutors say he invoked that purported position to request actions that the office otherwise would not have taken.
Among the alleged requests was a welfare check on his biological daughter and information about her location. The indictment also says Culver sought the names and other information of sheriff’s office employees and claimed he could take “adverse action” against the department. The allegations concern communications made in Indiana in September 2025.
Pressure directed at local officials
The indictment alleges that on Sept. 20, 2025, Culver called the workplace of a person identified as Individual A. Prosecutors say he falsely described himself as a federal agent, accused the person of obstructing a federal investigation involving a child kidnapping and claimed he could have the person arrested for a federal felony.
He allegedly asked the person’s employer to intervene and secure cooperation. Prosecutors say these statements were intended to use the appearance of federal authority to pressure private and public individuals into taking action on his behalf.
Additional alleged federal identities
In January 2026, Culver allegedly identified himself in a communication to the Lake County clerk as a “Special Master enforcing orders of the United States Supreme Court.” The message was directed to a Superior Court judge and allegedly claimed that Culver had authority to issue orders and warrants.
According to prosecutors, he demanded changes to vital records and sought dismissal of cases and judgments against him. He allegedly warned that officials who did not comply could face arrest by him or U.S. Marshals for impeding a federal agent, lying to a federal agent and conspiracy.
The indictment further alleges that in February 2026, Culver portrayed himself as the “Director of Tailored Access Operations,” described in the filing as a purported intelligence agency. A document submitted in a Lake County Superior Court case allegedly demanded dismissal with prejudice, the quashing of warrants and cooperation with a purported federal audit.
Arrest and federal proceedings
A federal grand jury in Indiana returned five charges against Culver, covering the alleged impersonation conduct and the forged judicial signature and seal. He was arrested in Colorado on Aug. 21, 2026, and the Office of the Federal Public Defender for the District of Colorado was appointed to represent him.
The charges remain allegations, and Culver is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court. Authorities have sought comment from the Supreme Court’s Public Information Office, the federal public defender’s office and the Justice Department.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | Culver allegedly filed a fake dismissal order bearing Chief Justice John Roberts’ forged signature. |
| 2 | He is accused of impersonating an NSA agent while contacting Indiana sheriff’s officials. |
| 3 | Prosecutors allege he threatened or pressured officials and a private individual by claiming federal authority. |
| 4 | The indictment includes four impersonation counts and one forgery-related count. |
| 5 | He was arrested in Colorado and appointed federal defense counsel. |
Summary
The case alleges an extended effort to influence state criminal proceedings through fabricated court documents, forged judicial credentials and false claims of federal authority. The indictment describes contacts involving sheriff’s officials, court personnel and a private individual across Indiana. Culver will have the opportunity to challenge the allegations through the federal court process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What charges does Joshua M. Culver face?
He faces four counts of falsely impersonating a U.S. officer or employee and one count involving the use of a forged federal judge’s signature and court seal.
What document did Culver allegedly submit?
Prosecutors allege he submitted an “Order of Dismissal With Prejudice” in an Indiana criminal case, using a forged signature of Chief Justice John Roberts and a counterfeit Supreme Court seal.
Where was Culver arrested?
He was arrested in Colorado on Aug. 21, 2026. The Office of the Federal Public Defender for the District of Colorado was appointed to represent him.
