A federal jury ruled yesterday that the owner of a popular Cincinnati-area fried chicken chain was convicted of swindling employee wage taxes. Richard Bhoolai, proprietor of Richie's Fast Food Restaurants, was found guilty of using these withholdings for personal pleasures, such as gambling sprees, according to the US Department of Justice.
Over a period from the start of 2017 through 2018, Bhoolai diverted more than $1 million from the restaurant's earnings for his use, revealed by court documents obtained by FOX19. Yet scheduled, his sentencing hearing, where Bhoolai could face a considerable prison term, has not been. The DOJ release noted that the trial lasted five days, leading to his conviction on eight counts of tax evasion, each potentially carrying a five-year maximum sentence.
Between 22 and 34 employees worked at Richie’s various locations. While taxes, including federal income, Medicare, and Social Security, were withheld from their paychecks, this money never made it to the IRS. Instead, Bhoolai indulged in casino activities at the Hard Rock Casino Downtown, as detailed in court statements reported by WCPO.
The future of Richie's Fast Food Restaurants, an establishment that's been a fixture since 1986 and known for serving soul food staples, is now in question following Bhoolai's conviction. After the sentencing of Bhoolai, it remains uncertain what will become of the chain's locations. The CityBeat underscored the community's loss, recognizing Richie's role in catering quick comfort food like fried chicken and cornbread over decades. For many, these locations were more than just eateries; they were integral to the fabric of local fast-food culture.
Bhoolai's indictment first came in April 2023, and now, with the conviction, he may face up to 40 years behind bars. As the legal process unfolds, affected employees and the Cincinnati community await the final judgment on this case of betrayal by an owner who pilfered wages meant for the workers sustaining his business.
