More details have been released on the method the former general manager of Hank’s Oyster Bar in Old Town used to allegedly steal $600,000 from the company.
The 53-year-old former employee was indicted earlier this month on 17 counts of felony embezzlement after allegedly creating “at least four fictitious employees for Hank’s Oyster Bar and set up direct deposit accounts in their names to which she had access,” according to a recently released search warrant affidavit.
The embezzlement allegedly took place over the last eight-and-a-half years. It was discovered when an “internal company investigation revealed discrepancies in the company payroll,” according to the search warrant affidavit.
“It was reported that (the suspect) admitted to the theft when confronted and signed a promissory note drawn up by an attorney for (the owner) promising to pay the money back,” the affidavit said.
Returns from subpoenas served at four separate banks revealed that the accounts were owned by the suspect, according to the search warrant affidavit. The restaurant owner also turned over to police text messages from the suspect apologizing for the thefts.
Each felony embezzlement count carries a potential maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A trial date has not been set yet.
Image via Hank’s Oyster Bar/Facebook
