A 23-year-old man was arrested early Tuesday morning after authorities say he walked out on a bar tab at a Largo restaurant, according to the Largo Police Department.
Investigators allege Benjamin Rakel ordered food and drinks at Largo Whiskey Wings on Sunday night, running up a $64.18 bill. Employees told police Rakel said he didn’t have the money to pay, then left after handing over debit and credit cards as “security,” along with a promise to return the next day. According to the affidavit, the cards did not have funds available.
Police say Rakel returned late Monday night — not to pay the tab, but to retrieve a phone charger he had left behind. Largo officers were called to the restaurant, and Rakel was arrested at about 12:20 a.m. Tuesday.
After being advised of his Miranda rights, Rakel reportedly told officers he had a Cash App debit card that he did not provide to the restaurant. The affidavit did not state whether the card had enough money to cover the bill.
Rakel was charged with obtaining food with intent to defraud and remains in the Pinellas County Jail.
