Biltmore Hotel Worker Accused of Stealing $7,800 in Food

CORAL GABLES, Fla. – Police arrested a former Biltmore Hotel employee Monday accused of stealing more than $7,800 worth of food from the historic hotel.

Diego Alfredo Medina-Acosta, 37, faces a charge of first-degree grand theft, according to Miami-Dade jail records. The Biltmore's director of security and head chef alerted police to numerous missing food products from the kitchen and storage areas. The chef reported significant quantities of food unaccounted for on the kitchen's weekly Excel inventory log.

Authorities suspect Medina-Acosta of stealing 192 lobster tails valued at $6,525, 116.7 pounds of pork belly worth $637.18, 30 center-cut snapper portions totaling $273, raw shrimp for $89.30, Argentinian chorizo sausage at $54.28, 11 cleaned calamari for $137.40, a can of coconut milk priced at $98.32, and gnocchi potato valued at $39.88.

Surveillance footage showed Medina-Acosta arriving before his scheduled work hours and accessing kitchen areas. He also entered and exited the hotel through different areas instead of the designated employee entrance.

During questioning, Medina-Acosta stated he clocked in early to get a head start on duties, which was not permitted. He also claimed he would leave for home to drop off laundry before returning to work. He explained he was removing lobster to thaw but could not account for its absence upon the cart's return. Medina-Acosta resigned from his position before his termination.

Following his departure, the hotel reported a substantial increase in remaining food inventory.

The Biltmore Hotel issued a statement emphasizing its commitment to integrity and hospitality. "The Biltmore takes great pride in being recognized as one of South Florida’s Top Workplaces and in employing talented and dedicated professionals who uphold the highest standards of hospitality and integrity. We have zero tolerance for theft or any conduct that compromises the trust placed in our colleagues and/or organization," said Tom Prescott, President & CEO, The Biltmore Hotel, in a statement Tuesday. "We welcomed that an independent investigation corroborated the findings of our internal investigation on this matter. The Biltmore remains committed to providing an exceptional level of service and experience for our guests while maintaining a workplace built on trust, accountability, and respect. As the matter is now with law enforcement, any additional questions regarding the investigation should be directed to the Coral Gables Police Department."

Medina-Acosta booked into the Miami-Dade jail.