Manager of Jonas-owned restaurant charged with embezzling over $200K

BELMONT, N.C. — The former manager of a restaurant owned by the Jonas Brothers’ father is facing multiple felony charges for an alleged embezzlement scheme that resulted in over $200,000 being stolen from the business, investigators said. 

Joy Nichols Auten, 53, was charged with five felony counts of embezzlement by employee following a lengthy investigation into financial discrepancies at Nellie’s Southern Kitchen, Belmont police said. Kevin Jonas Sr., the father of the popular Jonas Brothers band, owns the restaurant, which serves a robust menu of dishes inspired by his grandmother Nellie Jonas. 

Court documents revealed that between June 2016 and March 2020, Auten systematically withdrew money from the restaurant’s account. Investigators allege that Auten withdrew over $251,000 while only $28,798.47 was required to cover unpaid tips. This resulted in over $223,000 in unaccounted cash. 

Further investigation revealed that approximately $93,000 of the unaccounted cash was deposited into Auten’s personal bank account, detectives say. Those deposits were made during that same timeframe. 

“This was a deliberate and calculated act that significant impacted a beloved business in our community,” Police Chief Boyce “Corky” Falls said. “The Belmont Police Department is committed to thoroughly investigating financial crimes like this to ensure justice is served.” 

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