Police say man filed false report to cover up theft

By Gus Bode

After failing a polygraph, a Carbondale man has admitted filing a bogus armed robbery report, police say.

Joe Reynolds, 24, of 1195 E. Walnut St., was arrested on Nov. 8 and charged with felony theft in excess of $300 and filing a false police report.

Reynolds allegedly reported a false robbery at the Dollar General Store, 626 E. Walnut St., on Nov. 5.

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The original report stated that Reynolds was confronted by two males, one armed with a handgun, who took an undermined amount of cash and checks. The report also stated that one of the suspects struck the store employee in the face, and then the two suspects left through the back door.

Lt. Bob Goro said physical evidence found by police did not match Reynold’s story.

The physical evidence wasn’t there to support what he said happened, Goro said.

Reynolds failed a polygraph, Goro said, and then admitted what really happened. The police said Reynolds filed the armed robbery report to cover up his involvement in the theft.

Reynolds maintains there were two other people were involved in the theft but no armed robbery occurred, police said.

Goro said the other two suspects have not been located.

He (Reynolds) is not cooperating to the point where we can identify them, Goro said.

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Goro said it would be up to the State’s Attorney to decide whether or not Reynolds reimburses the store.

The judge can order restitution as part of his punishment, Goro said.

Reynolds was taken to Jackson County Jail where he posted bond and was released.

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