Bartender Accused Of Altering Credit Card Tips Left By Customers

PLEASANT VALLEY, NY — A restaurant server's fraudulent attempt to increase her take-home pay resulted in felony charges, according to New York State Police.

The restaurant worker denies those allegations.

On September 20, the New York State Police from the Poughkeepsie barracks arrested an employee of the Publick House Restaurant and Bar in Pleasant Valley after being notified by the owner of possible fraud and theft.

Investigators say 33-year-old Melissa Dinsmore, of Wappinger, while working as both a server and bartender, was fraudulently increasing tip amounts entered by her customers who used credit cards.

"Ms. Dinsmore unequivocally denies any wrongdoing," Dinsmore's attorney, John J. Ventosa, said in a statement. "She has her own lawsuit pending against the establishment in the Southern District of New York and is looking forward to both matters being properly adjudicated."

Dinsmore is named as plaintiff, along with other former employees, in a federal lawsuit against restaurant. The workers are seeking damages, accusing the restaurant group of wage theft among other complaints.

Dinsmore was arrested for felony scheming to defraud in the first degree, and felony falsifying business records in the first degree. She was issued an appearance ticket returnable to the town of Pleasant Valley Court on October 22.

This story has been updated to include a statement from Melissa Dinsmore's lawyer and to include information about the pending lawsuit taken from court records.