New Braunfels, Texas — The New Braunfels Police Department is asking victims of a local scam artist to come forward. The alleged con man, identified as 43-year old Christopher Lee Dickey of San Antonio, has been frequenting local restaurants and claiming that the business owes him money. The scam includes claims from Dickey that a waiter or waitress spilled food or drink on an item of his clothing during a previous visit. He then produces fraudulent “proof” of his dry cleaning expenses and then asks to be reimbursed for the cleaning costs or replacement of the clothing. In some cases, victim businesses have given him cash, while others give him gift certificates for free meals.
On Jan. 17, 2017, in a matter of 30 minutes, Dickey visited at least three New Braunfels area restaurants making these claims. One of the restaurants, though, reported the incident to police and when he returned on Jan. 18, 2017, to claim his money, undercover NBPD detectives were there to detain him. Dickey was subsequently arrested, taken to the Comal County Jail, and charged with Theft (under $100, Enhanced Due to Previous Conviction – Class B Misdemeanor) and Possession of a Controlled Substance (Cocaine – State Jail Felony).
Investigators with the New Braunfels Police Department believe there may be more restaurants in the New Braunfels and surrounding area (in particular in San Antonio) that could be victims of these scams. Detectives are asking that any restaurant that believes they are a victim to preserve any evidence of the crime (like video surveillance, bills, or receipts). If you, or your restaurant, are in New Braunfels and you believe you are a victim of this scam, please call NBPD Detective Chris Scott at 830-221-4165. If your restaurant is not in the City of New Braunfels, please call your local law enforcement agency.