It started as an unusual pattern behind the counter. Now, investigators say what unfolded inside a Texas fast-food restaurant quickly turned into a full-blown case tied to a familiar menu item. And, at the center is a not-so-familiar scheme involving former Chick-fil-A employee Keyshun Jones.
RELATED: Chick-fil-A Staff Go Viral — Then Lose Their Jobs | TSR Investigates
Fired But Allegedly Still Spinning Block To Run Refund Scheme
According to authorities, Jones was fired from a Grapevine location outside Dallas last November, but allegedly continued slipping back into the restaurant afterward. Prosecutors say he used his access to enter food orders on the register. Then, he refunded the orders directly to his personal credit card. Furthermore, he effectively turned routine transactions into a cash pipeline that investigators now estimate reached around $80,000.
Hundreds Of Fake Orders, Surveillance Footage & An Arrest
In total, officials allege Jones processed roughly 800 fake mac and cheese orders as part of the scheme. The fraud reportedly came to light after the restaurant flagged hundreds of suspicious refunds. And, it prompted a deeper investigation that included surveillance footage allegedly showing Jones behind the counter carrying out the transactions. Following, an arrest warrant was issued on April 6. And, he was taken into custody on April 17 by the Texas Attorney General’s Fugitive Task Force alongside the Fort Worth Police Department.
Keyshun Jones is now facing charges including property theft, money laundering, and evading arrest. If convicted, he could be sentenced to up to 10 years in state prison. And, ironically, mac and cheese will still be on the menu through the Texas Department of Criminal Justice system.
Chick-fil-A & Another Viral Mess
Chick-fil-A is once again at the center of controversy after eight student employees at its Tuskegee University location in Alabama were reportedly fired. Apparently, a viral TikTok that showed them doing a “chest bounce” dance trend during a closing shift. The 25-second clip reportedly racked up millions of views, but what started as a lighthearted moment between college coworkers allegedly escalated into disciplinary action after management told the group not to return to work and to meet with leadership instead.
Former supervisor Ty’Keria Clemons recalled receiving a message directing the employees to come in immediately and not clock in. Meanwhile, sophomore Landin Rolle, who says he suggested the trend, believes the backlash may have been influenced by campus leadership after the video circulated beyond the restaurant. Fellow student Denevea Simpkins has also spoken out, claiming the fallout has impacted her opportunities on campus. Furthermore, questions swirled about the relationship between the university and the Chick-fil-A location and how far employer control extends when student life and viral social media collide.
RELATED: Prayers Up! Fatal Shooting At Chick-fil-A In New Jersey Reportedly Leaves One Dead & Several Injured (VIDEO)
What Do You Think Roomies?