Hermann woman charged after allegedly stealing over $360,000 from Rhineland business

RHINELAND, Mo. (KMIZ)

A Hermann woman is accused of stealing $360,000 from the bank account for The Corner Restaurant Bar and Grill in Rhineland where she was a manager.

According to the probable cause statement, the owner spoke to Katie Muenks about financial irregularities from the business's bank account.

The owner said that Muenks and he agreed in January 2019 to not be paid for working at the restaurant so the business may be able to turn a profit. In the fall, the owner was made aware of the banking issues and confronted Muenks. The owner said he believed the problem was fixed according to court documents.

In Oct. 2020, the owner decided to sell the restaurant and while getting it ready for sale saw that Muenks had made 249 cash withdrawals totaling 162,335.40 according to court documents.

Muenks is also accused of writing 52 checks, totaling $58,230 to herself.

While reviewing the bank records, Muenks is also accused of using the restaurant's bank account to support Muenks' personal businesses with totals of $41,649.22 to two dress suppliers, $9,700 in fabric, a $2,000 dress refund and writing 24 checks to another business totaling $28,100.

The owner also says there were payments for other suspicious things like theater tickets in Branson, car payments to CarMax, beauty salons, and purchases at Petsmart to name a few.

Muenks is charged with stealing - $25,000 or more.

Muenks' next court date is Feb. 22.