A man who snuck into the employee-only portion of Waffle House and stole a waitress’ hard-earned money will serve four months in jail.
The thief, Dustin Cameron Bates, 27, entered guilty pleas before Circuit Court Judge Bart Stanley to charges of burglary and theft. He was ordered to serve 120 days of a two-year sentence and must make restitution to the victim.
Police say Bates was a customer at the local restaurant and had just been served a meal when he went to bathroom area of the store. However, while in the back of the restaurant, out of view of the employees and customers, Bates snuck through a restricted door which was labeled “Employees Only.” He then removed the waitress’ wallet from her purse. The wallet contained about $150 cash along with credit cards and a checkbook.
Police later connected Bates with the crime and brought him in for questioning.
“He was later located and admitted to the burglary and theft,” said McMinnville patrolman Aaron Roberts in his warrant against Bates, noting they were able to recover the checkbook he took during the burglary.