Ex-waitress in Ind. convicted of inflating tips

MADISON, Ind. (AP) — A former waitress at a southern Indiana restaurant has admitted she inflated tip amounts by as much as $80.

Thirty-six-year-old April Royalty pleaded guilty to 23 counts of felony theft this week in Jefferson Circuit Court. As part of a plea agreement, her four-year prison sentence was ordered to be served in community corrections.

The Madison Courier reports (http://bit.ly/16NiRlk ) Royalty admitted she falsified tip amounts of 23 patrons at Crystal & Jules restaurant in the Ohio River city of Madison.

The judge also ordered Royalty to pay more than $600 in restitution. Prosecutor Chad Lewis says he is looking for customers who are due a refund.

The restaurant's owner contacted police after two customers complained their tips had been altered.

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Information from: The Madison Courier, http://www.madisoncourier.com