Carbondale man charged in nude store robbery

09/19/2007
C’dale man charged in nude store robbery

BY KIMM R. MONTONE, STAFF WRITER

A 24-year-old Carbondale man was arrested Tuesday for allegedly robbing a convenience store in the nude last month.

In Lackawanna County Central Court, Carl Wagner, 8 Salem Ave., wore a black, long-sleeve T-shirt under a grey shirt, carpenter pants and sneakers when he appeared before Magisterial District Judge John P. Pesota. He is charged with robbery, indecent exposure and disorderly conduct.

On Aug. 29, he allegedly walked into Turkey Hill Minit Market, 8 River St., in the buff and demanded money, but left empty handed, according to Carbondale police.

Police did not apprehend him that night, but caught a break two weeks later when responding to a report of a naked man standing in a doorway on Salem Avenue. When arriving on the scene Sept. 12, the officers discovered Mr. Wagner in the nude and took him into custody.

During questioning, Detective Sgt. Thomas Heller told Mr. Wagner he recognized him from surveillance video of the Turkey Hill robbery and asked him why he would do something so bizarre; Mr. Wagner stated he was bored, according to the arrest affidavit.

It is not the first time Mr. Wagner has been in trouble with the law, court records reveal. He pleaded guilty to indecent assault in 2001, indecent exposure in 2003 and simple assault in 2005.

“This is an ongoing problem and I hope there are not other victims,” Sgt. Heller said. “This is probably the fifth incident (with Mr. Wagner) in the city we’ve dealt with. I think he needs some kind of help.”

Mr. Wagner is at Lackawanna County Prison in lieu of $20,000 bail. His preliminary hearing is set for Sept. 25 at 11 a.m.

Carbondale police ask if anyone had a similar incident with Mr. Wagner to contact them at 282-6211.

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