Steeler impersonator on his way to jail

PITTSBURGH (AP) — A man who pretended to be a Pittsburgh Steelers player to persuade a woman to loan him $3,200 must report to jail next week, a judge ruled.

Allegheny County Judge Gerard Bigley on Thursday rejected arguments on behalf of Brian R. Jackson, whose attorney wanted the judge to reconsider his sentence.

Bigley last month sentenced Jackson, 33, of Brentwood, to 90 days in jail and five years’ probation after Jackson pleaded guilty to one count each of theft by deception and identity theft.

Bigley ordered Jackson to report to jail Aug. 24. Jackson’s attorney, James Sheets, had hoped Bigley would let Jackson serve house arrest, instead.

Prosecutors said Jackson met the woman through a friend in March 2006 and he told her he was Steelers tight end Jerame Tuman.

The woman gave him money on several occasions and Jackson was arrested after she sent a letter to Tuman through the Steelers asking for the money back. Tuman gave the letter to Steelers security.

The woman has been repaid.

Jackson has a history of impersonating Steelers. In 2005, he was charged with impersonating quarterbacks Ben Roethlisberger and Brian St. Pierre to meet women. He was ordered to undergo counseling and sentenced to 30 days in jail after pleading guilty to disorderly conduct.