A local fast food restaurant manager is facing theft charges following reports he was making large change orders from a cash management service.
According to the probable cause affidavit, the Mountain Home Police Department received a theft report over the phone at Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) for several months by a member of management. The Regional Manager reported to officers that 35-year-old Phillip Maugaotega, who makes change orders for the restaurant, had been making large requests since August 2023. She stated Maugaotega should be making change orders daily for $750 but has been making orders over $1,000 up to $7548 per order.
Once the cash management service brought the order, it was alleged that Maugaotega would redeposit some cash and keep the rest of the funds. It was reported if Maugaotega had the day off, he would instruct employees to leave the money in his office for him to take care of.
The owners of the KFC, Tasty Restaurant Group, provided a deposit history showing shortages of bank deposits dating from August 1, 2023, through January 24, 2024. Total funds shorted during this time was over $41,000.
According to law enforcement records, Maugaotega is currently on probation in Hawaii for similar charges.
Maugaotega was booked into the Baxter County Detention Center, where he faces one felony count for theft of property. He was released on a $10,000 bond.
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