And finally…dashing
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An American charmer who attempted to get free meals by going on dates with women before bailing out and leaving the unlucky ladies with the tab, is facing the possibility of 13 years in prison in the alleged case of so-called “dine-and-dash”.
US broadcaster CBS has reported that Paul Gonzales, 45, is accused of repeatedly leaving restaurant bills unpaid and of taking “financial advantage” of at least 10 women he mostly met on dating apps or websites from May 2016 to April 2018.
Prosecutors say he defrauded the women of more than $950 (£730) in total.
Gonzales has pleaded not guilty to extortion, grand theft and other charges related to the abandoned bills.
According to Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, Mr Gonzales scam would see him take his dates out for dinner at different restaurants around the Los Angeles area only to then allegedly eat and drink before leaving without paying.
One woman, who withheld her name, joked that Mr Gonzales’ new eating habits would suit his new life behind bars if that’s where he now ends up.
“He doesn’t have to worry about any meals now. He’s gonna get three square meals a day,” she told CBS.
Mr Gonzales, who appeared in court on 27 August, is being held on $315,000 bail. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 7 September at the Los Angeles County Superior Court.
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