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Duo Reportedly Told Staten Island Residents To Evacuate In Order To Burglarize Their Homes

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) - A former corrections officer allegedly tried to take advantage of Tropical Storm Irene, according to published reports.

Daniel DiGianni, 42, and his girlfriend, 28-year-old Linda Fleshner, allegedly knocked on doors in South Beach Saturday. Police said the duo told people to leave their homes before Hurricane Irene landed, according to reports. The area is a low-lying part of Staten Island.

User-Submitted Pictures Of Irene's Wrath

DiGianni reportedly flashed a fake badge. Fleshner was allegedly carrying a knife and handcuffs.

Police reportedly believe they wanted to rob places once residents had cleared out.

The duo were arrested at around 5 p.m. and have been charged with criminal impersonation of a police officer. Fleshner also faces weapons charges.

If convicted of the charges, what is the appropriate punishment in this case? Sound off in our comments section.

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