THC drink startup cofounder charged with theft
Minnesota-based Crooked Beverage Company co-founder Richard Schenk has been charged with two felony theft counts, accused of taking tens of thousands of dollars from the THC beverage startup. Court documents and co-founder Ryan Winkler say Schenk spent company funds on personal expenses (including mortgage and luxury items), allegedly faked an email to dodge a $300,000 debt to his ex-wife, resigned when confronted, and then allegedly withdrew another $48,000; the company says it remains in operation with products in hundreds of Minnesota locations and 10 states.
đ Key Facts
- Defendant: Richard Schenk, co-founder of Crooked Beverage Company
- Charges: two felony theft counts
- Alleged amounts: ~$28,000 in personal expenditures and an additional ~$48,000 after resignation
- Alleged fake email impersonated a defense attorney; Schenk reportedly owed >$300,000 to his ex-wife
- Company continues operating; products in hundreds of Minnesota locations and 10 states