GASTON CO., NC — The former manager of a restaurant owned by the parents of the Jonas Brothers has been charged with embezzlement after investigators said she stole thousands of dollars.  Detectives with the Belmont Police Department have charged 53 year old Joy Nichols Auten, with five felony counts of embezzlement by employee following an extensive investigation into financial discrepancies at Nellie’s Southern Kitchen in Belmont.  Investigators said Auten embezzled the funds from food and alcohol sales between June 2016 and March 2020 when she served as manager of the restaurant.  Records show Auten withdrew over  $251,000  from the account when only $28,798 was required to cover unpaid tips, resulting in approximately $223,000 in unaccounted cash withdrawals.  Further investigation uncovered that at least $93,039.00 in cash was deposited into Auten’s personal bank account during the same timeframe. Belmont Police Chief Falls commended the work committed to the investigation: “This was a deliberate and calculated act that significantly impacted a beloved business in our community. The Belmont Police Department is committed to thoroughly investigating financial crimes like this to ensure justice is served.” This investigation is ongoing.