Erath Woman Sentenced To 12 Months In Prison For Wire Fraud

LAFAYETTE, La. –United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that Hue Bui, 27, of Erath, La., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth Foote, to 12 months in prison and two years of supervised release for one count of wire fraud involving theft from Walk-On’s Bistreaux and Bar in Lafayette. Bui was also ordered to pay $30,222.12 in restitution to Walk-On’s.
           
According to evidence presented at the guilty plea on January 22, 2014, while employed as a server at Walk-On’s, Bui stole approximately $30,222 from February 2012 to August 2012.  She devised a scheme using $25 pre-paid American Express, VISA, and Master Card gift cards that she bought herself. During her shift, she would create a fake food or beverage order costing approximately $25, pay for the fake order with the gift card, write in a gratuity amount on the bill, and collect the tips at the end of her shift.  When the credit card companies realized the $25 limit was exceeded, they charged the transactions back to Walk-On’s.
           
The FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly P. Uebinger prosecuted the case.