Joshua M. Culver, who allegedly assumed the identity of Chief Justice John Roberts using a forged Supreme Court signature, has been arrested on federal charges. Court documents reveal that Culver, also known by the alias ‘Maverick A. Young,’ was taken into custody in Colorado following an indictment by a federal grand jury in Indiana.
The indictment includes four counts of falsely impersonating a U.S. officer or employee and one count related to using a forged judge’s signature and court seal. Prosecutors allege Culver filed a fraudulent document titled ‘Order of Dismissal With Prejudice’ in an attempt to dismiss a pending criminal case against him in Grant County Superior Court, Indiana.
Alleged Forgery of Supreme Court Seal
The indictment accuses Culver of using a forged signature from Chief Justice Roberts along with a counterfeit U.S. Supreme Court seal to support the dismissal order. This alleged act was not Culver’s first incident of impersonating federal officials.
Previous Impersonations and False Claims
Days prior, Culver reportedly posed as a National Security Agency agent when contacting the Tippecanoe County Sheriff’s Office. Under this guise, he requested actions such as a welfare check on his daughter and location details about her, which prosecutors claim the sheriff’s office would not have fulfilled otherwise.
Culver also sought the names and information of sheriff’s office personnel, threatening ‘adverse action’ based on his false authority as an NSA agent.
Additionally, on September 20, 2025, Culver allegedly called the workplace of an individual mentioned only as ‘Individual A’ in the indictment. He claimed that this person was obstructing a federal investigation about child kidnapping and threatened to arrest them for a federal felony. He even asked their employer to assist in getting their cooperation.
Claims of Authority and Legal Demands
By January 2026, Culver claimed to be a ‘Special Master’ with authority from the U.S. Supreme Court, addressing communications to Lake County clerk and a Superior Court judge. He demanded various illegal actions, including altering vital records and dismissing proceedings against him.
The indictment further alleges that Culver warned of arresting officials who failed to comply with his commands, citing charges such as impeding a federal agent and conspiracy.
In February, Culver allegedly took on another false identity as ‘Director of Tailored Access Operations,’ an intelligence agency he reportedly fabricated. Within Lake County Superior Court, he filed a document under official letterhead claiming involvement in multiple federal investigations. He demanded actions such as dismissing his case, quashing warrants, and facilitating an audit.
Bloomberg Law noted Culver’s arrest on August 21, with the Federal Public Defender’s Office in Colorado assigned as his representation. Additional inquiries from Fox News Digital aimed at the Supreme Court and the Justice Department are pending.