Former CFO of Pinky Cole's Bar Vegan Indicted on Theft, Forgery, and Money Laundering Charges
In a shocking turn of events, Aaron Mattison, the former Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Pinky Cole's now-defunct restaurant, Bar Vegan, has been indicted on multiple charges, including theft by taking, first-degree forgery, and money laundering. The indictment marks a significant development in the ongoing saga surrounding the financial management of Bar Vegan.Aaron Mattison Accused of Orchestrating Unauthorized Transactions
According to court documents obtained by The Neighborhood Talk, Mattison is accused of creating fraudulent financial documents and initiating an $87,000 wire transfer for personal gain. He allegedly used the funds to cover his own expenses, rather than using them for legitimate business purposes.
Repeated Withdrawals and Money Laundering Scheme
Prosecutors allege that Mattison withdrew company funds through repeated $600 transactions between September 2021 and June 2022, totaling over $24,999. He is also accused of transferring the funds across several bank accounts in an alleged money-laundering scheme.
Bar Vegan Employee Lawsuit and Settlement
This news comes more than four years after a former Bar Vegan employee, Morgan Georgia, filed a lawsuit against Cole, Mattison, and Jason Crain, alleging unpaid wages and failure to meet federal minimum wage requirements. Although they initially denied the allegations, they later agreed to pay $62,172 to the plaintiffs for alleged damages.
Pinky Cole's Representative Responds
Cole's representative stated that she has no personal ownership or financial interest in Bar Vegan LLC and that any liabilities associated with the restaurant fall under the corporate structure of Slutty Vegan Inc. However, this statement does little to alleviate concerns about Mattison's actions and their impact on the company.
The indictment of Aaron Mattison marks a significant development in the ongoing investigation into the financial management of Bar Vegan. As the case unfolds, it remains to be seen how these charges will affect Pinky Cole and her business empire. One thing is certain: the spotlight on corporate accountability and transparency has never been brighter.
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