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Ex-Crispers Chief Says He Stole $400,000

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By JEROME R. STOCKFISCH

The Tampa Tribune

Published: June 27, 2008

TAMPA - Former Crispers chief executive David Haas admitted in court on Thursday to stealing more than $400,000 from his company.

In federal court in Tampa, the 45-year-old New Jersey resident formally entered guilty pleas to three counts of interstate transportation of stolen property in the form of wire transfers and a check from the restaurant chain, which is owned by Publix. He waived his right to a jury trial and was released on a signature bond to await sentencing by U.S. District Judge Richard Lazzara on Sept. 5.

Haas faces a maximum prison term of 10 years and fines of up to $250,000 on each count. But Assistant U.S. Attorney Terry Zitek said his office has endorsed guidelines that call for a total of 24 to 30 months in prison. Haas will have to pay restitution and other fees.

Haas served as interim chief executive officer of the Lakeland-based chain in 2007.

According to the plea agreement, beginning in August of that year, Haas on three occasions approached a Crispers financial officer and directed him to transfer funds to accounts in New Jersey. In two of the cases, he maintained the transfers of $250,000 and $100,000 were connected with the purchase of a Crispers restaurant.

On one occasion, he directed the financial officer to process a check for $53,750 to "HC, LLC." Haas explained that was the executive search firm Hill & Cutler, which was assisting in the search for a permanent CEO. The check was deposited into an account in the name of Haas Consulting LLC, which is controlled by Haas. Hill & Cutler never existed, according to the plea agreement.

Jerome R. Stockfisch can be reached at jstockfisch@tampatrib.com or (813) 259-8402.

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