FRANKLIN BOROUGH, NJ (Sussex County) – Two Face Charges in Alleged Fake Vehicle Theft in Franklin Borough.
The incident unfolded on the evening of Sept. 28, when Joseph McGaughran, 48, of Franklin Borough, drove Dawn Flanagan, 54, of Vernon Township, to the Franklin Police Headquarters, where she claimed her vehicle had been stolen, police said.
The officer initiated an investigation that quickly revealed inconsistencies. Surveillance footage captured Flanagan driving her own vehicle from the area where she claimed it was taken, with McGaughran trailing behind, police said.
As the investigation progressed, officers uncovered additional evidence, including more surveillance footage and witness interviews. Both Flanagan and McGaughran were unable to explain several discrepancies in their statements and were found to have obstructed the investigation, police said.
The missing vehicle was ultimately located in front of McGaughran’s residence.
Flanagan was charged with fourth-degree filing a false report, while McGaughran was charged with obstruction of justice. Both individuals were issued complaint summonses and released pending their appearance in Sussex County Superior Court, in compliance with the NJ Bail Reform Act.
