Criminal charges associated with embezzlement, bribery and fraud should never be taken lightly. Even if a suspect thinks the allegation is just a misunderstanding or misinterpretation of facts, a fraud conviction can damage a Louisiana resident’s reputation, costing employment opportunities and influencing future endeavors.
Recently, four non-student employees of a fast food restaurant located in a Louisiana State University student building were taken into custody for their alleged participation in a fraud scheme. Two 34-year-old workers, a 23-year-old woman and a 31-year-old man are facing felony theft counts, with LSU police still expecting to make another arrest as the investigation continued.
According to the report, managers and employees of McDonald’s at LSU are suspected of overcharging student school-issued debit cards, pocketing at least $30,000 over the last two years and falsifying records to hide the criminal activity.
LSU provides students with debit cards that can be used to purchase food and merchandise at certain restaurants and stores on and near campus. The arrest warrants stated that the employees involved in the fraud scheme would usually overcharge student accounts at least a dollar and up to $10 per use.
Police stated that an anonymous tip started the investigation of the restaurant’s records for overcharges since the early part of 2012 or before that.
Louisiana employees charged with fraud could end up losing their jobs while the case is being tried or even as soon as an arrest. If convicted, defendants may experience jail time, be required to make restitution and pay large fines. Employment opportunities after such charges or a conviction may be difficult. Louisiana employees charged with fraud can seek legal advice for a strong criminal defense to challenge the allegations or negotiate the charges to obtain a reasonable result.
Source: The Advocate, “LSU police say students targeted in restaurant fraud scheme,” Ben Wallace, March 26, 2014
