Branson hotel partner pleads guilty to embezzlement

A partner in the Branson Stone Castle Hotel and Conference Center pleaded guilty this week to embezzling at least $25,000 from the business.

On May 19, David Lott entered an Alford plea, not admitting the act, but acknowledging the prosecution could likely prove the charge. An Alford plea allows defendants to plead guilty while unable or unwilling to admit guilt, according to USLegal.com. The court order includes five years of probation and parole, as well as an order to maintain full-time employment and not to consume alcohol or illegal drugs.

Lott agreed to pay restitution to the property owners of $175,000 by Jan. 2, 2018, in monthly installments of no less than $4,166 per month starting July 1, according to documents filed in Taney County Circuit Court.

According to a Branson Daily Independent report, Lott was indicted in October 2012 for stealing money belonging to Stone Castle between April 1, 2011, and May 14, 2012. The indictment claimed Lott, 57, falsely told business partners he was using the money to maintain and operate the property.

Stone Castle, 3050 Green Mountain Drive in Branson, comprises some 300 guest rooms and suites and 10,000 square feet of banquet and meeting space, according to its website.[[In-content Ad]]