Kinston, North Carolina — A former Little Caesars employee was arrested this week after allegedly breaking into a closed restaurant and making pizzas for unsuspecting customers, according to local police.
Authorities say 41-year-old Jonathon Hackett broke into a Little Caesars location in Kinston, North Carolina, on at least two separate occasions. During the first incident, police allege Hackett entered the restaurant after hours, used the equipment to prepare pizzas, and sold them to customers as if the store were open.
Investigators say Hackett pocketed the cash from the sales, earning approximately $50 from about 10 pizzas before leaving the scene. Customers reportedly believed the business was operating normally and were unaware that the employee was no longer authorized to work there.
Police became aware of the situation after reviewing surveillance footage and receiving reports from the restaurant’s management.
According to officials, Hackett later returned to the same location for a second attempt. This time, current employees were inside the restaurant and refused to let him in. The encounter reportedly escalated into a physical altercation, during which Hackett was injured. He was transported to a hospital for treatment before being taken into police custody.
Hackett now faces multiple charges, including felony breaking and entering, felony larceny after breaking and entering, and obtaining property by false pretenses, along with several misdemeanor offenses. Police also noted that the incident occurred during a citywide curfew that had been implemented due to severe winter weather.
Kinston Police Chief Keith Goyette described the case as highly unusual, stating that it was the first time in his career he had encountered a situation involving someone breaking into a restaurant to operate it.
No customers were reported to be injured, and Little Caesars has not publicly commented on the incident. It remains unclear whether the company plans to pursue additional civil action.
Hackett is currently awaiting further court proceedings.
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