Armed robbery case in Dunn County a hoax

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The armed robbery case reported in Dunn County late last month turned out to be a hoax, according to the Dunn County's Sheriff Office Thursday.

On Feb. 22 at 9:10 a.m., the Dunn County E-9-1-1 Center received a call from Robert J. Lawson, 25, who was tending bar at the Veterans' Center of Menomonie. He called to report he had just been robbed at gunpoint. The suspect was wearing a black hoodie, black pants and sunglasses.

Deputies arrived within minutes and couldn't locate anyone in the area matching the description given. It was reported approximately $1,000 was taken.

Early this week, investigators followed up on some leads and told Lawson some things simply didn't add up.

Wednesday, Lawson came clean and admitted the armed robbery was fake and took the money himself without permission. He cooperated with deputies so some of the money was recovered.

He was subsquently arrested for theft and two counts of obstructing an officer. Dunn County Sheriff Dennis Smith said reports are being forwarded to the Dunn County District Attorney for formal charges.

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