Dutchess County Bartender Busted Increasing Tips On Credit Cards, Police Say

A bartender in the region was busted for allegedly increasing tip amounts on credit cards to increase her pay.

A bartender at the Publick House in Pleasant Valley was busted for allegedly increasing her tips on credit card slips.
Photo Credit: *NYSP/Google Maps street view*

09/25/2024 1:15 p.m.

Dutchess County resident Melissa Dinsmore, 33, of Wappinger, was charged by the New York State Police on Friday, Sept. 20.

According to Trooper AJ Hicks, the owner of the Publick House Restaurant and Bar in Pleasant Valley alerted police to the possible crime after being notified of the fraud by a customer.

An investigation determined that Dinsmore, while working as both a server and bartender, fraudulently increased tip amounts entered by her customers who utilized credit cards to increase her pay, Hicks said.

Dinsmore was arrested for a scheme to defraud and falsify business records, both class E felonies.

She was released on an appearance ticket.

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