Employee of Berea’s historic Boone Tavern accused of stealing, gambling $66,000-plus
An employee of Berea’s historic Boone Tavern has been accused of stealing thousands from the well-known hotel and restaurant, according to court records.
James Smock, 57, of Lexington is charged with theft by unlawful taking of more than $10,000, according to court records.
Smock was the general manager of Boone Tavern, according to the Berea Police Department.
Smock is accused of taking $63,990.89 from Boone Tavern’s daily deposits and $3,804.12 from Boone Tavern’s “house bank,” according to a complaint warrant filed in the case. The money was taken between Aug. 1, 2019, and Jan. 1, 2020, according to court records.
Smock admitted to the business that he gambled the money away, according to the complaint warrant. Smock has refused to talk about the allegations with detectives.
Boone Tavern’s host company garnished his last two paychecks, a total of $3,555.74, according to court records.
The business is still owed $64,239.27 and has filed an insurance claim, according to court records.
This story was originally published February 18, 2020 at 1:50 PM.
