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
A former employee of Alexandria’s Dept. of Transportation and Environmental Services has been charged with embezzling from the city.
In a press release Thursday afternoon, police said the employee sold more than $10,000 worth of electrical cable owned by T&ES to scrap dealers.
The alleged embezzlement happened between January and July of last year. The employee was fired at the end of July and now faces felony charges.
More from an APD press release:
Arrian B. Mercer, a former traffic technician for the City of Alexandria, was arrested by Alexandria police officers on January 17 and charged with felony embezzlement of public property.
The City’s Department of Transportation and Environmental Services identified suspicious activity and notified the City Manager’s Office, which in turn directed the Police Department to conduct a criminal investigation and the Office of Internal Audit to conduct an internal investigation. These investigations determined that between January and July 2019, Mr. Mercer allegedly sold more than $10,000 worth of traffic signal cable to scrap dealers for personal gain. The City terminated Mr. Mercer’s employment on July 31, 2019.
An arrest warrant was obtained in December 2019. Mr. Mercer was arrested once his location could be determined. The City has implemented new procedures to enhance the security of public property, and additional measures are under review.
Photo via Alexandria Police Department/Facebook
