Flanders woman faked robbery to refill medication, cops say

BOONTON TWP. - A 42-year-old woman was charged with filing a false police report after calling in a robbery that never occurred so she could refill her medications, Boonton Township police said.

The investigation began Nov. 30, when police received a report of a robbery in a township business parking lot, Sgt. Thomas Cacciabeve said.

Officers spoke with the alleged victim, Jennifer Hamilton, 42, of the Flanders section of Mount Olive, who told police she was “jumped” by two men as she was walking to her car, Cacciabeve said.

Hamilton told officers the men threw her to the ground and demanded her purse, which she handed over to them. She then said the men stole two bottles of prescription medication and fled the scene on foot, heading sound on Powerville Road, Cacciabeve said.

The Boonton Township Detective Bureau investigated the case over the next several weeks and obtained evidence that indicated Hamilton fabricated the entire encounter, Cacciabeve said.

It is believed that Hamilton faked the robbery so she could refill her medications, Cacciabeve said. The name of the medications were not disclosed.

Hamilton was arrested charged Dec. 23 with filing a false police report and filing a false report to incriminate another. She was released pending a court appearance.

Staff Writer Michael Izzo: 973-428-6636; mizzo@GannettNJ.com