Who do you call when the passenger you're dealing with at the ticket counter gets rowdy... then tells you he's a law officer? That's what apparently happened at John Wayne Airport in Orange County, CA back in September.

The Los Angeles Times reports Stephen Mensinger, a political ally of Orange County Sheriff Michael Carona, walked into the lost luggage office for Alaska Airlines after returning from a hunting trip. Mensinger was reportedly angry that his baggage, his guns... even his game meat... were missing.

When he was told to double-check the carousel and then file a lost-luggage claim, if necessary, Mensinger reportedly became incensed. The luggage agent says he started yelling and insulting her -- even pulling out his camera phone and snapping her picture.

According to the Times, Mensinger also called her a dumb blonde, and yelled to her that he was a sheriff... even flashing a badge.  and threatened to have her fired.

But here's the rub. Mensinger isn't a deputy sheriff, he's a businessman... albeit one with powerful friends. His badge and his permit to carry a concealed weapon are honorary.

The issuance of such courtesy credentials is becoming more and more controversial in Orange County, and the State Attorney's office is now investigating. The luggage claims agent says she wanted to call in law officers who patrol the airport... but was afraid to, because they're sheriff's deputies.

Mensinger eventually got his luggage. But in the process... he may soon lose that badge.

FMI: www.ocsd.org