Patsy's Italian Restaurant Secures $450K Settlement in Bookkeeper Fraud Case

Attorney Charles Schalk leads successful civil case against former employee who stole from iconic NYC eatery.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 4:49pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a shredded credit card against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually representing the financial fraud case against the former bookkeeper.The harsh flash photography captures the stark reality of financial fraud and the importance of accountability for those who breach the trust of their employers.Middlesex Today

Patsy's Italian Restaurant, Inc. and Patsy's Brand, Inc. have secured a $450,000 settlement in a civil case against a former bookkeeper, Michele R. Pascetta, who was accused of misusing company credit cards for personal expenses while concealing the transactions as legitimate business costs. The plaintiffs were represented by attorney Charles Schalk, and the case was resolved shortly after trial began in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Middlesex County.

Why it matters

This case highlights the importance of accountability for financial misconduct and breach of trust, especially at well-known establishments like the iconic Patsy's Italian Restaurant in New York City. The swift resolution of the case reflects the strength of the evidence against the former bookkeeper, who had previously pled guilty to Grand Larceny in a related criminal case.

The details

The civil case involved claims against former bookkeeper Michele R. Pascetta, who was accused of misusing company credit cards for personal expenses while concealing the transactions as legitimate business costs. Pascetta had previously pled guilty to Grand Larceny in New York in April 2024, admitting to stealing funds from the restaurant. Following jury selection and opening statements, the civil case reached a swift resolution, reflecting the strength of the evidence and the effectiveness of the trial strategy led by attorney Charles Schalk.

  • The civil case was resolved in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Middlesex County, on April 6, 2026.
  • Pascetta pled guilty to Grand Larceny in New York in April 2024.

The players

Patsy's Italian Restaurant, Inc.

A historic New York City Italian restaurant establishment located on West 56th Street, known for serving notable figures including Frank Sinatra and members of the New York Yankees.

Patsy's Brand, Inc.

The company that owns the Patsy's Italian Restaurant brand.

Charles Schalk

An attorney at Savo, Schalk, Corsini, Warner, Gillespie, O'Grodnick & Fisher, P.A. who represented Patsy's Italian Restaurant, Inc. and Patsy's Brand, Inc. in the civil case.

Michele R. Pascetta

The former bookkeeper of Patsy's Italian Restaurant who was accused of misusing company credit cards for personal expenses and concealing the transactions as legitimate business costs.

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What they’re saying

“This result demonstrates the importance of accountability in cases involving financial misconduct and breach of trust.”

— Charles Schalk, Attorney

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for strong financial controls and oversight, especially at well-established businesses, to prevent and swiftly address any instances of employee fraud or misappropriation of company resources. The successful civil resolution, coupled with the prior criminal conviction, sends a clear message about the consequences of breaching the trust placed in financial professionals.