(Danville, Va.) – The former owner of Brewed Awakening Coffee Shop on Craghead Street in Danville has been indicted on a felony charge.

53-year-old John Fredrick Hale of Mebane, N.C. was indicted on a charge of fraudulent conversion/property removal. Hale allegedly removed a 24-inch range, an ice cube maker, work table, seven tables, and 22 chairs. The furnishings were purchased through a seven-year lien by Danville’s economic development office.

He was arrested on June 26 and freed after posting bond.

According to court records, Hale and his wife Bonnie, also owe the property management company, Wilkins & Co., $2,493. The company awarded a default judgment in Danville General District Court on March 9.

A second warrant in debt is scheduled for a hearing in Danville General District Court on July 17.

The once prosperous business couple closed abruptly in late January. Hale blamed streetscape improvements, which he said prevented customers from patronizing his business for months.

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