A former Chick-fil-A employee has been sentenced to three years in prison for stealing over $80,000 from the fast-food chain through a scheme involving fraudulent mac and cheese orders. Keyshun Jones, 23, pleaded guilty earlier this month to processing approximately 800 phony catering orders for mac and cheese and refunding the amounts to his personal credit cards.
Jones executed the scheme at a Chick-fil-A location in Grapevine, Texas, last November, shortly after being fired from the restaurant where he had worked for seven years. He stated that he chose mac and cheese because it is one of the eatery's most expensive catering items, with a large tray costing around $100.
According to Jones, the decision was not heavily premeditated. He claimed that after losing his job, he returned to the restaurant and, seeing an unattended register, acted on impulse driven by anger. Security camera footage reportedly shows him ringing up numerous false orders for the popular side dish.
Prosecutors had initially sought a 10-year sentence for fraud and property theft. However, Jones and his legal team negotiated a plea agreement, resulting in the three-year sentence, which includes time already served. Jones expressed that his cooperation and explanation of the circumstances contributed to the reduced sentence.
Despite the conviction, Jones indicated a desire to rebuild his life and potentially return to working in the food service industry, ideally at Chick-fil-A. He described himself as a long-time admirer of the brand, where he began working at age 15. He hopes to secure parole soon and demonstrate his worth for a second chance, stating, "I'm not what the internet claims me to be. I'm goofy. I'm fun. I'm kind-spirited."
Jones' wife, Keana Jones, also vouched for his character. The owner of the Grapevine restaurant declined to comment on the matter. While Jones acknowledges that his former employer may not offer him re-employment, he remains optimistic about finding opportunities at other establishments.