July 27, 2010

Multiple sources tell CBS19 that federal authorities may be interested in a missing restaurant owner's whereabouts. Jim Baldi owns the Bel Rio restaurant in Belmont and has been missing for 3 weeks.

The now-closed restaurant has been at the center of the debate about how much noise is acceptable in the Belmont neighborhood.

Baldi is also an accountant and it appears he has been using his position to steal federal tax dollars using area businesses.

"I would be shocked if he came back to Charlottesville," says Baldi's real estate agent Roger Voisinet. "Obviously he doesn't want to be found."

There could be a reason for his disappearance. According to the owner of Builder's Lighting on Route 29 in Albemarle County, Baldi did her payroll for several years and took money that employees asked to be withheld for taxes. Which, if proven true, is a federal offense.

"If he's been doing this to one small business he's probably been doing that to others," Voisinet continues. "He can go to prison for that."

Police are currently investigating. Voisinet believes Baldi will eventually return to Charlottesville but it won't be voluntary.

Until then, Baldi's whereabouts are unknown. His real estate agent is looking to sell his home and the landlord of the Bel Rio building is looking for a new tenant.