BELMONT, N.C. (WBTV/Gray News) – A former manager at a restaurant owned by the Jonas Brothers’ family has been accused of embezzling over $200,000 from the business in Belmont, North Carolina.
Authorities say Joy Nichols Auten, who managed Nellie’s Southern Kitchen between 2016 and 2020, took a total of $251,986 from an account. However, only $28,798.47 was required to be withdrawn, leaving over $223,000 in unexplained withdrawals. Investigators also found that more than $93,000 in cash was allegedly deposited into Auten’s personal bank account during that period.
The restaurant is owned by Kevin and Denise Jonas, parents of the famous Jonas Brothers—Kevin, Joe, and Nick. Following the investigation, Auten was arrested and charged with five counts of embezzlement by an employee.
She was later released on a $25,000 bond. The investigation into the case is ongoing.
The Jonas family owns two Nellie’s Southern Kitchen locations, one in Belmont and another in Las Vegas.