Police: Clerk, Frequent Guest Conspired To Rob Hotel

NEW STANTON (KDKA) -- A man who says he was the victim of a violent robbery is now facing charges.

Police say 27-year-old Joshua Hershberger conspired with 30-year-old Haley Nichols to rob the Howard Johnson Motel in New Stanton.

Hershberger was working as a clerk, Nichols was a frequent guest.

The whole robbery was caught on surveillance tape.

One look at the tape and it's clear the robbery was a hoax.

A calm Hershberger gathers cash, while a woman's voice attempting to sound like a man barks out orders.

Watch the surveillance video:

Nichols got away with around $2,000. Hershberger made up a story to tell police.

Multiple state troopers responded to the alleged robbery and a helicopter spent about an hour looking for the suspect.

State police are now seeking another nearly $2,000 in restitution for their unnecessary services.

Hershberger and Nichols are both facing charges.

The owner of the motel tells KDKA that Hershberger had been working there for about three months. He is now looking for a new job.