A valet parking manager from New Jersey is accused of stealing more than $23,000 in tips from Long Island workers.

The Nassau DA says John Benevento managed the parking at the Capital Grille and Seasons 52 restaurants at the Roosevelt Filed Mall in Garden City, where he would allegedly make workers turn over their tips or risk losing their jobs.

Investigators say he would make weekly trips to Long Island and make the parking workers put a portion of their tip money into an envelope in a lock box. They say the scheme totaled more than $400 per worker, per week.

An attorney for the company that hired Benevento, Florida-based One Way Valet, says the company is supporting him and will be conducting its own investigation. The company itself did not return News 12's requests for comment.

Benevento pleaded not guilty in court, and his bail was set at $20,000. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 16 months to four years in prison.

Benevento is due back in court on Tuesday.

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