BELMONT, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) – The manager of a restaurant in Belmont connected to the Jonas Brothers has been charged with embezzlement, Belmont Police announced on Monday.
53-year-old Belmont resident Joy Nichols Auten, who was the manager of Nellie’s Southern Kitchen on North Main Street, was charged with five counts of embezzlement by an employee.
Belmont PD said an investigation into financial discrepancies was launched regarding sales of food and alcoholic beverages between 2016 and 2020. Records stated that Auten withdrew $251,986 when just $28,798.47 was required, which resulted in unaccounted cash withdrawals. A further investigation determined that at least $93,039 was deposited into Auten’s personal bank account during that timeframe.
Named after the musical trio’s great-grandmother, the restaurant opened in 2016 and was founded by the Jonas Brothers and their father, Kevin Jonas, Sr.
“This was a deliberate and calculated act that significantly impacted a beloved business in our community,” Belmont Police Chief Falls said in a written statement. “The Belmont Police Department is committed to thoroughly investigating financial crimes like this to ensure justice is served.”
Auten posted a $25,000 bond, according to the Gaston County Sheriff’s Office.
