Published on: February 18, 2026, 03:02h.
Updated on: February 18, 2026, 03:02h.
- Former soup kitchen chef accused of embezzlement from nonprofit
- Lawsuit claims the chef misappropriated over $3,000 for gambling at a racetrack
- Kentucky features historical horse racing machines that resemble slots
An ex-chef from a charitable community kitchen in Kentucky has been accused of misappropriating funds from the organization to engage in gambling at a local racetrack that houses historical horse racing (HHR) machines and sports betting options.
A criminal complaint lodged in Fayette District Court by Amen House—an established nonprofit in Scott County for over 30 years—claims that a former worker assigned to cook and prepare meals at Russ’ Kitchen made unauthorized transactions using the organization’s credit card.
Jacob Southworth is alleged to have embezzled upwards of $3,300, and upon being confronted by the organization’s executive director regarding the charges, Southworth reportedly acknowledged utilizing the credit card for gambling but expressed his inability to repay the debts incurred.
Situated in Georgetown, Amen House operates a thrift store offering donated community goods, a food pantry, and Russ’ Kitchen, which aims to serve nutritious meals to those facing food insecurity.
About Russ’ Kitchen
Russ’ Kitchen honors the memory of Russ Bourget, who tragically passed away in a UTV accident at the tender age of 12. The establishment seeks to create a welcoming environment where those in need can dine without realizing they are in a soup kitchen.
“It’s a space where a mother struggling with food insecurity can take her five-year-old, and that child would think it’s a standard restaurant,” states the Amen House website.
Southworth stands accused of misappropriating funds to gamble at Red Mile Gaming & Racing in Lexington, located about a 30-minute drive south of Amen House. Red Mile features 900 HHR machines and a Caesars Sportsbook.
HHR machines bear resemblance to slot machines, yet their outcomes derive from actual horse races and are classified as parimutuel exotic wagers.
Gambling via Credit Card
While Kentucky’s HHR terminals generally prohibit direct deposits via credit cards, individuals can obtain cash through ATMs using credit cards.
Cash advances via credit cards often incur an upfront fee ranging from 3% to 5%, along with the immediate application of a high-interest rate on the amount withdrawn, and they do not have a grace period.
Amen House asserts that Southworth withdrew $1,000 on two separate occasions, November 16 and December 6, at the gaming facility. After fees, each withdrawal amounted to $1,061.99, totaling $2,123.98. In addition, Southworth made further withdrawals and charges at Red Mile, accumulating a total debt of $3,345.27.
“While cash advances can seem like a quick fix when you’re in a tight spot, they come with high fees and interest rates, making them a costly way to access additional funds,” comments finance expert Jennifer Brozic.
Southworth is scheduled for a preliminary hearing in court on Friday at 8:30 am.