A longtime employee of a well-known Louisiana seafood restaurant has been arrested after authorities say she stole tens of thousands of dollars by manipulating cash register transactions. Investigators allege the theft occurred over several months and was discovered during an internal audit conducted by the business.
The suspect now faces numerous criminal charges and is being held on a high bond as the case moves through the legal system.
Longtime Seafood Restaurant Employee Arrested
Cynthia Esquerre, 51, of Metairie, Louisiana, was arrested Tuesday in connection with a large theft at a popular seafood restaurant.
Authorities say Esquerre, who had worked for years at the Lake Avenue location of Deanie’s Seafood in Metairie, is accused of stealing more than $25,000 from the business.
According to the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, she faces the following charges:
- Theft of more than $25,000
- 109 counts of computer fraud
Officials say the alleged crimes took place while Esquerre was working at the restaurant’s fish market and occasionally serving as the on-duty manager.
Investigation Began After Restaurant Audit
According to investigators, the theft was discovered during an internal financial audit conducted by the restaurant.
Authorities say the audit revealed irregularities in transaction records at the business.
Between December and February, investigators believe Esquerre altered cash register transactions and kept the money for herself.
Officials reported that the total amount stolen exceeded $25,000, though the exact figure has not been publicly disclosed.
Alleged Scheme Involved Register Manipulation
Detectives say the suspect allegedly used the restaurant’s computer system to change transaction details.
By modifying register entries, investigators believe she was able to remove money from the business without immediately being detected.
Because the alleged fraud involved numerous transactions, prosecutors filed more than 100 counts of computer fraud.
Authorities say each instance represented a separate fraudulent action in the system.
Arrest Made at Suspect’s Home
After completing their investigation, deputies arrested Esquerre at her home in Metairie.
She was taken into custody and booked into the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center in Gretna.
As of Thursday, she remained in jail with bond set at $268,000.
Case Moving Through the Legal System
The investigation is being handled by the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office.
Prosecutors will review the evidence gathered by investigators to determine how the case proceeds in court.
If convicted, Esquerre could face serious penalties due to the large amount of money involved and the number of fraud charges.
