Prosecutors say a man falsely reported he had been robbed at gunpoint after he reportedly gave money to a woman ahead of a “meet-up” with her at a motel in Zion.
Julian I. Davis, 30, of Zion, was charged with false report of offense, a Class 4 felony.
Lake County Assistant State’s Attorney Emma Smoler said officers were called to a report of an armed robbery on April 8 at Shamrock Motel, 1713 North Sheridan Road in Zion.
Officers spoke with Davis, who reported he had been robbed at gunpoint in the parking lot.
Davis said that a woman got out of a car and robbed him at gunpoint before fleeing, Smoler said during a bond hearing.
He claimed he did not know who the woman was but then showed officers a photo of her.
Officers reviewed surveillance video which showed the woman getting into Davis’ car in the parking lot and then getting out of the car, Smoler said.
She walked back to the motel and did not come back to the car. Smoler said the video showed Davis waiting and then calling 911.
Officers spoke to the woman and she showed them texts on her phone between her and Davis.
Davis asked the woman if she was available and confirmed they would meet at the motel, Smoler said. He also said to her that he hopes “she does not run off with the money.”
Smoler said it does not appear Davis was ever robbed at gunpoint.
Lake County Judge Theodore Potkonjak allowed Davis to be released on a personal recognizance bond.
A status of preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 10.