A Brooklyn man was indicted Monday for allegedly posing as a city tobacco inspector and stealing more than $5,000 from convenience stores in Brooklyn.

Joseph Rios, 52, is a former licensed street vendor with an extensive criminal record that includes 19 convictions. He has been convicted seven times for criminal impersonation. In one scheme, Rios posed as a police officer to defraud taxi drivers.

Rios was arrested last week after allegedly robbing A &B Deli on Church Avenue in Brooklyn and attempting to rob at least one other store.

The Department of Investigation’s inquiry began after several complainants informed investigators that a purported inspector from the Department of Consumer Affairs, using names like Mohammed Yusef and John Torres, had been taking money from behind store counters starting in September and continuing until his arrest last week. The DOI’s investigation disclosed what appeared to be a DCA identification card. Several complaints provided investigators with a description of Rios.

According to the DOI, Rios would use the identification in order to gain access to areas behind the counter. He would then rustle around near the cash register and discreetly collect loose cash.

The DOI is investigating and expects that more convenience-store owners will come forward. Rios could not be reached for comment. According to the DOI, he has no lawyer at this time. Tobacco inspectors are paid to make sure that vendors are not selling cigarettes to minors, among other violations.