Erath Woman Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud

LAFAYETTE, LA—United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that Hue Bui, 27, of Erath, Louisiana, entered a guilty plea on Wednesday before U.S. Magistrate Judge C. Michael Hill to one count of wire fraud involving theft from Walk-On’s Bistreaux and Bar in Lafayette.

According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, from February 2012 to August 2012, while employed as a server at Walk-On’s, Bui stole approximately $30,222. She devised a scheme using $25 prepaid American Express, VISA, and Master Card gift cards that she bought herself. During her shift, she would create a fake food or beverage order costing approximately $25, pay for the fake order with the gift card, write in a gratuity amount on the bill, and collect the tips at the end of her shift. When the credit card companies realized the $25 limit was exceeded, they charged the transactions back to Walk-On’s.

Bui faces 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, restitution, and three years of supervised release for the count of wire fraud. A sentencing date of May 16, 2014, was set.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly P. Uebinger is prosecuting the case.