⏱ 2 min read
Matthew Braasch, a 48-year-old former restaurant manager, embezzled over $1 million from a St. Louis County eatery, using the company credit card for personal purchases, including $81,965 at Target and $29,801 at Vineyard Vines. The crime occurred while Braasch was managing a restaurant in Grantwood Village, Missouri, during the pandemic. Braasch pleaded guilty to wire fraud in April and was sentenced to 21 months in prison. He must also repay the stolen funds.
The embezzlement was discovered during a state investigation, during which Braasch posed as the restaurant’s owner to conceal his crime. According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Derek Wiseman, Braasch was the gatekeeper of the restaurant’s funds and no money would have been stolen without his involvement.
The FBI, which investigated the case, warns that strong financial controls are key to preventing embezzlement. Special Agent in Charge Chris Crocker of the FBI St. Louis Division said that separating payment authorization and reconciliation responsibilities can help prevent fraud.
Braasch’s actions nearly cost the iconic restaurant its future, according to Crocker. The sentence reflects the severity of the crime and the impact on the restaurant and its employees.
📋 Key Facts
- Crime: White Collar Crime
- Defendant: Missouri
- Location: MO
- Source: DOJ Press Release
