Missing Restaurant Owner in Hot Water

Updated: 12:19 AM Jul 28, 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. He is also an accountant and it appears that Baldi has been using his position to steal federal tax dollars.

Posted: 11:33 PM Jul 27, 2010
Reporter: Jessica Jaglois
Email Address: Jessica.Jaglois@newsplex.com

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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.

Latest Comments

Posted by: Cindy Location: Ellis Trainum on Aug 1, 2010 at 01:04 PM

I fail to see the humor in this news article, mainly because Baldi has absconded with more than stolen money. He took my niece, Kristian, with him, and although I believe she voluntarily went, he has somehow convinced her not to contact her family. I pray for her safety and her return home to parents and family where she belongs.

Posted by: Mike Location: NYC on Jul 29, 2010 at 11:49 PM

LOL! Is he missing or is he in hot water? :)

Posted by: A Location: Cville on Jul 28, 2010 at 03:20 PM

I guess the realtor isn't expecting to get a commission check for selling his house.

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