ROCKLAND, Maine — A local man was charged Monday after police said he lied about being mugged by multiple assailants.
Douglas Gardner, 53, of Rockland was issued a summons Monday, charging him with making a false public report, according to a news release from the Rockland police department.
Gardner initially reported to police that he had been mugged and robbed of cash Saturday evening by multiple assailants. Through investigation, however, it was determined Gardner lost his cash and made up the story about being mugged, according to police.
“We’re not without empathy,” Deputy Chief Chris Young said. “People are still struggling in this economy and sometimes resort to foolish ideas in an effort to get by. However, this idea of filing a false report wasted already limited resources by causing officers to investigate a robbery which didn’t occur.”
The incident was investigated by Officer John Bagley and Detective Joel Neal.