WINTER HAVEN, Fla. – A 24-year-old Auburndale man is facing charges after allegedly racking up hundreds of dollars in unpaid restaurant bills in two separate incidents. Shane Wiley is accused of “dining and dashing” from two Winter Haven establishments, leaving behind a total tab of $494.54.
The first incident occurred on December 14th at The Harborside Restaurant. Wiley, a former employee of the restaurant, allegedly spent three hours ordering food and drinks, accumulating a bill of $285.50.
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He then reportedly fled through the back patio doors without paying. Polk County Sheriff’s deputies located Wiley at his Auburndale residence and arrested him for Defrauding an Innkeeper. He was booked into the Polk County Jail and later released on bond.
Undeterred, Wiley allegedly struck again on December 26th at The Hungry Crab. This time, he reportedly spent five hours at the restaurant, running up a tab of $209.04. When confronted by staff, Wiley claimed to have paid his bill and fled on foot. Restaurant employees posted images of Wiley on social media, where he was quickly identified as the suspect from the Harborside incident.
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Winter Haven Police officers arrested Wiley at his residence and charged him again with Defrauding an Innkeeper. He is currently in custody.
Police are advising local restaurants to be on the lookout for Wiley, who appears to have a penchant for enjoying expensive meals without paying.
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