Crime & Safety
$160,000 Embezzlement Case Heads to Court
James Fortunato, of North Whitehall, allegedly embezzled money from the Cosmopolitan restaurant while general manager.
The former general manager of the Cosmopolitan Restaurant in Allentown waived his right to a preliminary hearing Monday on charges he embezzled $163,601 from the restaurant, according to online court records.
The case now heads to Lehigh County court.
James Fortunato, 41, of 2340 Black Forest Drive, North Whitehall, waived his right to the hearing before District Judge Karen Devine. He is charged with theft by unlawful taking or disposition and receiving stolen property
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Fortunato allegedly stole the money from the Cosmopolitan after being promoted to general manager in November 2010. Among the alleged unauthorized purchases were dinner cruises, visits to a strip club, household goods and ATM cash withdrawals in Pennsylvania and New York.
Arrests do not indicate conviction.
Find out what's happening in North Whitehallfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
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