Pinky Cole’s former chief financial officer is facing serious criminal charges in Georgia connected to Bar Vegan, the now-closed restaurant tied to the Slutty Vegan founder. 

According to The Grio, Aaron Mattison was indicted on multiple counts, including theft by taking, first-degree forgery, and money laundering. Mattison managed Bar Vegan’s finances between 2021 and 2022 and is accused of making unauthorized financial transactions for personal gain. 

Court documents obtained by The Neighborhood Talk allege that Mattison created fraudulent financial paperwork that appeared to be approved by the restaurant, then initiated an $87,000 wire transfer for personal use. Prosecutors also allege he made repeated $600 withdrawals between September 2021 and June 2022, totaling more than $24,999, and moved the money through several bank accounts in what investigators described as a money-laundering scheme.

The indictment adds another layer to the long-running business drama surrounding Bar Vegan. The restaurant had already faced scrutiny in 2022 after a former employee filed a lawsuit over unpaid wages, tips, and overtime.Cole, Mattison, and another co-owner were named in that case, and the parties later agreed to pay $62,172 to the plaintiffs. 

It’s being reported that Cole herself was not charged in connection with Mattison’s indictment, and a representative previously said she did not have personal ownership interest in Bar Vegan’s corporate structure. For Cole, the latest development is another headline tied to a business that has already been through more than its share of public fallout.