Spring Hill man accused of stabbing himself, lying about robbery

Times staff

May 31, 2011 09:49 PM

SPRING HILL — Authorities say a man who claimed he was robbed and stabbed Tuesday made up the story — and in fact stabbed himself — to justify missing his court date and avoid paying back child support.

Michael Cherubino, 51, of 5464 Birchwood Road in Spring Hill had told deputies two men attacked him at his home, stabbed him in the stomach and stole about $4,000 before fleeing in a "beat up" white pickup.

Investigators say he later admitted to Hernando County sheriff's deputies that he had lied and cut himself with a piece of glass so he would be hospitalized, miss his court date and have an excuse not to pay $4,000 he owed in child support.

Cherubino was issued a notice to appear on a charge of giving a false report to law enforcement.