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LETHBRIDGE – Police have charged a 25-year-old father with public mischief after he allegedly faked his own abduction, earlier this year.

Matthew Robillard was reported missing by his family on January 31st, after he failed to arrive at his job in Picture Butte, Alberta.

Hours later, his abandoned vehicle was found in northeast Calgary, with the passenger-side window smashed out, keys in the ignition and the motor running.

Officers also found the man’s wallet and phone inside the car.

The shocking discovery sparked a massive search for the young father, as police feared foul play might be involved.

He eventually showed up at a hotel in northeast Calgary.

Investigators allege that Robillard planned his disappearance and took deliberate steps, including breaking his own vehicle window and causing injuries to himself, to make it appear as though he had been abducted.

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Robillard had recently suffered a significant financial loss, and police allege the abduction was staged to make it appear as though he had been forced to give his money to his kidnappers.

The man’s own family was kept in the dark, and had no idea it was a hoax.

“This was a ruse that spanned multiple jurisdictions and diverted valuable police resources away from real victims and actual crimes,” said Acting Insp. Ian Sanderson, in a news release. “It’s a concern to us that someone would take these steps and cause police to continue an investigation when no crime had occurred.”

Lethbridge police have charged the 25-year-old with public mischief.

If convicted, Robillard could face a fine or even jail time.

He is scheduled to appear in court on April 8th.

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