Celebrity chef and fashion designer indicted for stealing $14,000 from Bay Ridge cafe
Vincent Tropepe hit with 41-count indictment from Brooklyn DA
A self-proclaimed celebrity chef and fashion designer from Bay Ridge was arraigned on a 41-count indictment and accused of stealing more than $14,000 from a Bay Ridge cafe, Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez announced on Friday.
Vincent Tropepe, 36, made headlines in 2014 for his claim to be the youngest person inducted into the Culinary Hall of Fame. Prosecutors have charged him with grand larceny, criminal possession of a forged instrument and falsifying business records for stealing more than $14,000 from the Yemen Cafe.
“The victims in this case worked hard to make their restaurant a success and this defendant, claiming he could help them, allegedly lied and stole their hard-earned money instead,” Gonzalez said. “I am committed to protecting small businesses, which are an important part of our communities, from fraudsters such as this defendant.”