Kentucky Soup Kitchen Chef Allegedly Used Nonprofit’s Credit Card to Gamble

Posted on: February 18, 2026, 03:02h. 

Last updated on: February 18, 2026, 03:02h.

Devin O'Connor @CasinoorgDevinO Read More
Expertise: Asia Pacific Gaming, Commercial Gaming, Legislation, Politics.
  • A former chef at a soup kitchen is alleged to have stolen from the nonprofit
  • A lawsuit alleges that the chef stole more than $3,000 to gamble at a Kentucky racetrack
  • Kentucky has slot-like historical horse racing machines

A former chef at a nonprofit community restaurant in Kentucky is accused of stealing money from the organization to gamble at a nearby racetrack offering slot-like historical horse racing (HHR) machines and sports betting.

Kentucky soup kitchen gambling theft
A stock photograph shows a person serving food to homeless people. A former chef employed at a soup kitchen in Kentucky is accused of stealing from the nonprofit to gamble. (Image: Shutterstock)

According to a criminal complaint filed in Fayette District Court by Amen House, a nonprofit that dates back over three decades in Scott County, a former employee who was hired to cook and prepare meals at Russ’ Kitchen made improper purchases on a credit card belonging to the organization.

Jacob Southworth is alleged to have stolen more than $3,300 from the nonprofit, and when confronted by the executive director about the charges, Southworth reportedly admitted to using the charge card for gambling but said he couldn’t repay the debts.

Located in Georgetown, Amen House operates a thrift store with donated community items, a food pantry, and Russ’ Kitchen, which provides home-cooked meals for those experiencing food insecurity.

Russ’ Kitchen 

Russ’ Kitchen is named in memory of Russ Bourget, who died tragically in a UTV accident at the age of 12. The restaurant seeks to provide the needy with a restaurant-like setting where children won’t know they’re in a soup kitchen.

It is a place where a mom facing food insecurity can bring her five-year-old, and that child would think it is a regular restaurant,” the Amen House website reads.

Southworth is accused of poaching money from the nonprofit to gamble at Red Mile Gaming & Racing in Lexington. Roughly a 30-minute drive south of the Amen House campus, which includes Russ’ Kitchen, the Red Mile racetrack has 900 HHR gambling machines. Red Mile additionally features a Caesars Sportsbook.

HHR machines look and sound like slot machines, but their outcomes depend on previously run horse races and are parimutuel-based exotic wagers. 

Credit Card Gambling

While HHR terminals in Kentucky generally do not allow a person to deposit funds with a credit card, a person can use a credit card at an ATM to withdraw cash.

Credit card cash advances typically include an upfront fee of 3% to 5% and the immediate placement of a high interest rate on the amount withdrawn, with no grace period.

Amen House alleges that Southworth withdrew $1,000 on both Nov. 16 and again on Dec. 6 at the gaming venue. After credit card fees, each of those withdrawals came to $1,061.99, or $2,123.98 total. Southworth made other withdrawals and charges at Red Mile, racking up total charges of $3,345.27.

Because it’s fast and easy, getting a cash advance when you’re in a pinch can be tempting. But because card issuers tack on fees and high interest rates to these transactions, cash advances are an expensive way to get extra cash,” says finance writer Jennifer Brozic.

Southworth is due in court for a preliminary hearing on Friday at 8:30 am.