Ex-chef accused of stealing $3,300 from Kentucky charity for gambling spree
A former chef at Russ' Kitchen in Kentucky has been accused of stealing more than $3,300 from the nonprofit Amen House. Jacob Southworth, who worked at the charity's restaurant, reportedly used the stolen funds for gambling at Red Mile Gaming & Racing in Lexington. He is scheduled to appear in court for a preliminary hearing this Friday at 8:30 am.
Amen House runs a thrift store, food pantry, and Russ' Kitchen, a dining space named in honour of Russ Bourget. The kitchen offers meals to people struggling with food insecurity, providing a restaurant-style experience for those in need.
Southworth allegedly took the money while employed at Russ' Kitchen. Investigators found he made multiple transactions at Red Mile Gaming & Racing, a venue with 900 historical horse racing (HHR) machines and a Caesars Sportsbook. These machines allow parimutuel-based wagers on past horse races, functioning similarly to slot machines. Records show Southworth withdrew $2,123.98 in cash advances from his credit card at Red Mile on two separate occasions. These transactions included fees and high interest charges. On top of this, he made additional gambling-related charges, bringing his total spending at the venue to $3,345.27. During questioning, Southworth admitted to using the stolen money for gambling at Red Mile.
The case will proceed with a preliminary hearing on Friday morning. If convicted, Southworth could face legal consequences for the theft and misuse of funds intended for charity. The stolen amount represents a significant loss for Amen House, which relies on donations and fundraising to support its community services.
