Beloit, Wisconsin – A Beloit couple is facing serious criminal charges after investigators say they staged a fake robbery to conceal the theft of thousands of dollars from a local restaurant. Authorities allege the incident was orchestrated to divert suspicion while money was being taken internally over time.
According to police, the case involves employees of Bessie’s Diner in Janesville and centers on an alleged scheme that unraveled during a subsequent investigation.
Incident Overview
Law enforcement officials say Melita Jensen, 30, and Charles Bernard Jr., 37, both of Beloit, are accused of staging a robbery to make it appear that cash had been stolen by an unknown suspect. Investigators later determined the incident was not a legitimate robbery but part of an effort to cover up internal theft.
Both individuals are now charged with felony theft exceeding $10,000 and misdemeanor obstructing an officer, reflecting the scale of the alleged loss and the actions taken during the investigation.
Timeline of Events
The case reportedly began when authorities were alerted to a robbery at Bessie’s Diner, a well-known restaurant in Janesville, Wisconsin. Initial reports suggested that money had been taken during a robbery-style incident…