Fulton men charged

The Messenger. 01.04.08
Two men have been charged in connection with the alleged false reporting of a robbery on New Year’s Eve at the Fulton restaurant where they were employed.
Charged in the incident are Lavon D. Aiken, 39, of 118 Pearl St., Fulton, who was arrested on charges of theft by unlawful taking over $300 and falsely reporting an incident; and Skylard D. Beard, 23, of 201 Seventh St., Fulton, who was arrested on a charge of receiving stolen property over $300, according to a press release from the Fulton Police Department.
About 9:35 p.m. Monday, Fulton police officers responded to a robbery complaint at the Wendy’s restaurant on Nolan Avenue in Fulton, where the manager — identified as Aiken — reported that a black man had stopped him outside the store and demanded money at gunpoint. Police were told that the suspect took the night deposit bag and fled the scene on foot toward the Riceville area of Fulton.
Police searched the scene and temporarily detained several individuals for questioning before releasing them. The police department’s K-9 unit was also deployed but was unable to locate or complete a track. In addition, officers reviewed area businesses’ surveillance cameras but were unable to discover any leads, police reported.
Investigators questioned the manager at length and, upon completion of questioning, Aiken allegedly admitted to taking the money and filing the false robbery report. Further investigation revealed a second Wendy’s employee — identified as Beard — was allegedly involved in the completion of the crime, according to the press release.
Police reported that investigators were able to recover $1,174 of the restaurant’s money. Restaurant owner Mike Smith was notified of the investigators’ findings and the money was released to him.