Lehigh Student Blames Gambling Loss on Mugging: Cops

A Lehigh University student faces charges after police say he blamed his gambling losses on a knife-point mugging Saturday.

Bethlehem Police say Lehigh University graduate student Mikael Borneo lied to officers when he reported a mugger stole $4,000 from him at about 9:30 p.m. Saturday in the 400 block of Polk Street, reports the Morning Call.

Investigators with the Bethlehem Police, who were assisted by the Pennsylvania State Police Gaming Enforcement Unit and Sands Casino security, say 23-year-old Borneo later admitted he lied about the mugging and had lost the money while gambling at the Sands Casino on Friday and Saturday.

Police are still investigating two other muggings involving Lehigh students in the last week. One student was robbed at knifepoint Thursday and another was robbed by two men Monday, reports the Morning Call.

Authorities say Borneo has been charged with filing a false report and will receive a citation in the mail.