Pizza-maker Charged in Illegal Dough Case

conlor · 10-18-2007, 19:13

A pizzeria owner in New York has been accused of making the wrong kind of dough -- fake $50 bills to be exact -- in the offices of his businesses.

Frank Donato, 39, of Dobbs Ferry, faces felony charges on accusations of forging the funny money in the offices of his businesses, The Brick Oven Pizza Shop and Frankie's Homemade Ice Cream next door, The Journal News in White Plains, N.Y., reported Thursday.

Donato was arrested Tuesday after a three-month undercover operation by federal and local law enforcement authorities, police said.

News of the arrest took village residents aback, with several telling the newspaper they couldn't believe the pizza-maker would be involved in a backroom counterfeiting scheme.

"He was always there, behind the counter," said Dobbs Ferry native Christina Campana. "In a small town like this, it's especially shocking because you know the person."

Donato was charged with 16 felony counts of first-degree forgery and may face further charges, officials said.

Pizza-maker charged in illegal dough case - UPI.com

Woodmonkey · 10-18-2007, 20:04

I guess you never know.

Hooch Turner · 10-19-2007, 06:19

I wonder how many people have tried to pay for a 18" Pepperoni at his place using fugazi cash and gotten away with it?

jjvman · 10-19-2007, 10:27

I wonder if he tried paying for his supplies with them.

Woodmonkey · 10-19-2007, 14:26

Getting ideas, Jim?

jjvman · 10-19-2007, 14:46

I'm more curious where he planned to pass them off. Most of his customers might not be ordering enough to get a $50.00 for change. He might have been trying to put them in his bank deposits to launder them. We usually pay for suplies, etc. by check so we have a record of the transaction. If he had been making 10's or 20's, that would be different. But, ideas, hmmmm?

Woodmonkey · 10-19-2007, 14:51

Looks like we're gonna have to save you from yourself!