Restaurant Manager Charged With Theft Scheme

OCEAN CITY – A local restaurant manager has been arrested and charged with theft in connection with two separate theft schemes uncovered by the Ocean City Police Department earlier this month.

Tracy Lee Owes, 33, of Ocean City, was arrested on Jan. 11 for his alleged connection with a theft scheme at Castaway’s Restaurant. Owes has been a manager of the mid-town restaurant and bar for several years.

An investigation by OCPD detectives revealed two theft schemes that spanned from March 2007 through September 2007.

Castaway’s Restaurant owner Gary Gibbs contacted investigators on Aug. 23, 207 when he reported an internal theft. Gibbs reportedly told investigators of the OCPD that he noticed missing deposits along with unexplained voided entries, discrepancies that occurred throughout the summer. Owes allegedly stole tens of thousands of dollars over the course of the summer.

A warrant for Owes’ arrest was issued on Jan. 10 for two counts of felony theft and two counts of felony theft scheme. Owes was arrested on Jan. 11 and was released into his own recognizance. He awaits a court appearance in Ocean City District Court on Feb. 13.