As announced earlier today by Kings County District Attorney Kenneth P. Thompson, Jason Stevens, the notorious owner of DUMBO hangout reBar who two months ago stole wedding party deposits and stiffed his employees, was sentenced to 3 1/3 to 10 years in prison for grand larceny and criminal tax fraud.
“Today’s sentence sends a clear message that we will prosecute tax cheats and put them in prison for stealing money from the people of New York – money that we could use to hire more police officers and improve our schools and roadways,” said Mr Thompson in a press release put out by the Brooklyn District Attorney’s office.
For Mr. Stevens—who accepted a plea bargain offered by the District Attorney—the sentencing closes a case that captivated local residents, many of whom frequented the popular restaurant and bar on Jay Street. A saga that included millions stolen from desperate couples who anticipated weddings bliss at reBar and suddenly unemployed workers left holding the bar’s bankruptcy bag dominated local media including Gothamist, Brooklyn Paper and—of course—BHB.
The Wall Street Journal reported on today’s sentencing, including a tentative agreement of more than $1 million in restitution—money that Mr. Steven apparently does not possess.
Photo Credit: Jon Ernst, NY Daily News
Comments are closed.