Boston Restaurant Employee and Stepson Charged in Staged Armed Robbery Conspiracy

BOSTON, MA — What was initially reported as a terrifying late-night armed robbery at a popular downtown Boston restaurant has turned out to be an inside job, according to Suffolk County prosecutors and Boston Police detectives.

On December 29, 2024, Boston Police officers responded to a distress call from the Cava restaurant located at 125 Summer Street. The closing employee, 37-year-old Scott Douglas, claimed that a masked man armed with an assault rifle had entered the premises, held him at gunpoint, and fled with a significant amount of cash from the register and safe.

Investigation Uncovers Fabricated Claims

Detectives immediately launched an investigation, but soon noticed discrepancies between the employee's story and physical evidence. A review of surveillance footage from both inside the restaurant and surrounding municipal cameras contradicted Douglas's timeline. Investigators observed a suspect entering the building in coordination with Douglas, rather than by force.

Police ultimately determined that the entire robbery had been staged. Douglas allegedly conspired with his 19-year-old stepson, Nickolas Lao (also identified in court documents as his ex-partner's son), who acted as the "armed robber" to carry out the heist. The conspiracy allowed the pair to make off with over $1,200 in cash, hoping the threat of an assault weapon would deter close scrutiny.

Arrests and Criminal Charges

In early January 2025, Boston Police arrested both Scott Douglas and Nickolas Lao. The two men have been arraigned in Boston Municipal Court and face serious criminal charges, including:

• Larceny over $1,200
• Conspiracy to commit armed robbery
• Filing a false police report

The Suffolk District Attorney's Office emphasized the strain that fabricated incidents place on emergency services and police resources. The investigation remains active as authorities seek to recover the stolen funds.