There's always one bad apple in the bunch. But a former waiter at Brio Tuscan Grille on the Country Club Plaza may -- if the charges leveled against him are true -- take the cannoli.
John F. Wood, United States attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced today that a former Kansas City resident, John David Woody of Los Angeles, has been indicted for stealing identity information from customers while he worked at the Plaza Brio location, then using the information to make online purchases. According to a press release from the U.S. Attorney's office:
The federal indictment alleges that, in July and August 2008, Woody gained access to the credit card numbers of customers at the Brio Tuscan Grille in the County Club Plaza while he was employed as a waiter at the restaurant. Woody returned the credit cards to the customers, the indictment says, but somehow recorded the names and credit card numbers without their knowledge or authority. The indictment cites five separate identity theft victims.
Woody allegedly used customers' names and credit card numbers to place online orders, including thousands of dollars worth of boxed sets of DVDs.
Woody is charged with five counts of aggravated identity theft, five counts of credit card fraud and three counts of mail fraud.
Wood cautioned that the charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
But on a happier note: Within hours of the indictment of "Wicked Woody," the Ohio-based publicity firm representing Brio sent out a press release with a hopeful message:
"Brio's new reduced pricing makes it possible to enjoy authentic Italian dining during times when finances may be tight.
Special prices are now available from lunch through dinner to help make dining out more affordable for everyone."
Just remember to pay with cash. -- Charles Ferruzza
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That's funny, the last time I was at Brio they stole my appetite with their sub-par Pasta Alla Pesto
JJ, if you happen to be a waiter, would you mind telling us which restaurant you inhabit? I'll definitely be paying in cash.
I would imagine that those five people who got a surprise purchase or two on their chargecard bill were BAD TIPPERS. They are the ones that should be arrested...not the poor waiter. Brio should underwrite his legal defense and give him a medal.
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