Fast-food worker and boyfriend arrested for allegedly faking armed robbery

A fast-food restaurant worker and her boyfriend were arrested after allegedly faking an armed robbery in the hopes to steal more than $22,000 in cash Monday.

Officials from the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office said that 24-year-old Ashley Stewart was booked into jail on suspicion of theft of controlled property and false reporting to law enforcement.

Officials also said that 35-year-old Alexander Reyna is facing a theft of controlled property charge. Stewart called 911 Monday and claimed she was robbed of about $22,000 while trying to deposit the money at a bank for the restaurant.

She allegedly told authorities a man held her at gunpoint, stole the cash and ran off into the desert.

Authorities say Stewart later admitted to the scam and said she and Reyna planned to split the money.