Man Arrested for False Homicide Report in Oneida

Robert Harp charged with falsely reporting an incident and drug possession after police found no evidence of a crime.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 2:18am

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An extreme close-up of a small plastic bag containing a white crystalline substance, dramatically lit by a harsh camera flash against a black background, conceptually representing the drug possession charge in this false crime report case.A recent false crime report in Oneida exposed the dangers of unverified claims, as police found no victims despite the serious allegations.Oneida Today

A 55-year-old man named Robert Harp was arrested in Oneida, New York after police determined his report of a double homicide was completely false. Officers responded to the reported incident, searched the residence, and confirmed the alleged victims were alive and safe elsewhere. Harp was charged with falsely reporting an incident and also found to be in possession of methamphetamine.

Why it matters

False crime reports can divert valuable police resources and cause unnecessary panic in the community. This case highlights the importance of thorough investigations to verify claims before taking action, especially when serious allegations like homicide are involved.

The details

Police in Oneida, NY responded to Harp's report of a double homicide at a residence around 7:50 pm on April 8. After searching the home and contacting the alleged victims, they determined no crime had actually occurred. Harp was then arrested and charged with falsely reporting an incident, as well as criminal possession of methamphetamine which was found on him during the arrest.

  • The police responded to the reported double homicide around 7:50 pm on April 8, 2026.
  • Harp was arrested following the investigation on the same day, April 8, 2026.

The players

Robert Harp

A 55-year-old man from Oneida, New York who was arrested for falsely reporting a double homicide and possessing methamphetamine.

Oneida City Police Department

The law enforcement agency that responded to and investigated the false homicide report, determining no crime had actually occurred.

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What’s next

Harp will face charges in court for falsely reporting an incident and drug possession. The Oneida Police Department will review their protocols for responding to serious crime reports to ensure efficient use of resources.

The takeaway

This case underscores the importance of thorough investigations to verify claims, especially for severe allegations like homicide, in order to avoid wasting police time and alarming the public unnecessarily.