Server accused of serving himself $71.23 tip

August 26, 2009 - 12:30 PM
Florida Freedom News

DESTIN – A server at a Destin-area restaurant is said to have given himself a hefty tip on a customer’s credit card, leading to his arrest for forgery.

On May 29, Justin Wells of Fort Walton Beach was working at the Crab Trap on Miracle Strip Parkway when he served a couple who ordered two entrees, a beverage and a beer totaling $28.77.

When the meal was over the man paid with his Master Card. When presented with the invoice he signed through the tip line, indicating he didn’t want to leave a tip on the credit card.

But at 7:01 p.m. Wells closed the ticket, adding $71.23 to the tip for a total of $100.

On June 3 he indicated to Okaloosa County Sheriff’s deputies he had overcharged a patron’s credit card by “seventy something dollars.” He could not give a lawful reason for his actions, the arrest report said.

He will go to court Sept. 8.