‘ASIO employee’ Brenton Robert Jarrett, 51, charged with dishonest dealings with documents

A man charged with fraud told a magistrate he’s currently working under cover for ASIO boss Mike Burgess.

An alleged fraudster was allegedly busted with fake Bank of America cheques in his car, but has told a court he’s currently an undercover intelligence officer.

Brenton Robert Jarrett, 51, made the bizarre claim that he’s currently working undercover for ASIO during his first appearance in the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Monday afternoon.

Last Friday, Mr Jarrett was arrested and later charged with dishonestly dealing with documents after allegedly approaching women at a shopping centre, and giving them fake letters from the Department of Foreign Affairs.

“It’s quite convoluted,” the police prosecutor said.

“On two occasions, he’s approached females at their place of work and obtained their names from them.

“He has then presented them with a fraudulent letter on a Foreign Affairs letter head.

“The letter indicated they may be selected for possible further education.

Brenton Jarrett told the court he was an undercover ASIO officer. Picture: Facebook

Alleged fraudster Brenton Jarrett, who is currently wanted in Victoria and NSW.

“He’s then been arrested, flagged as wanted and a search of his vehicle has located fraudulent cheques adding to a total of $105,000 in value.

“There were nine fraudulent cheques for the Bank of America, and there was evidence of the cheques on the accused’s mobile phone.”

“I’m a commonwealth officer with ASIS, I’m under cover,” Mr Jarrett then abruptly told the court.

“I’m DFA (Department for Foreign Affairs).”

The prosecutor said Mr Jarrett is currently wanted across the country, and has a significant history of offending.

“The defendant is currently wanted in Victoria. He is also wanted in NSW,” he said.

“He has offended in most states and it appears he may struggle with mental health issues. He has no ties to South Australia and has been staying temporarily at Airbnb accommodation.

Magistrate Paul Foley asked if authorities interstate were looking to extradite Mr Jarrett, but the prosecutor said he hadn’t received instructions relating to his warrants in other states.

“Clearly he is not well, from what he said a moment ago,” Mr Foley said.

“Mike Burgess’ office is expecting your call,” Mr Jarrett interrupted.

“I work directly under Mike Burgess’ office.

“I actually work for ASIO – you need to contact them. You can’t just assume. What’s the evidence base? Call Mike Burgess’ office! I’ve worked there since I was 17-years-old.”

Mr Jarrett’s lawyer asked Magistrate Paul Foley to adjourn the matter so he could take instructions ahead of a bail application later in the week.

“There’s a lot of history of your client not being able to comply with any sort of order,” Mr Foley said.

“Unless you’ve got something else to put, I don’t think bail is appropriate.”

Mr Jarrett’s lawyer however said his client has no criminal history in South Australia, and has the presumption of innocence.

Mr Foley adjourned the matter for a continuing bail application later this week.

Police are continuing to investigate the matter and would like to hear from anyone who may have been a victim of similar offending.

They urge anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a report at their local police station.