A Florida native’s recent run in with the law isn’t adding up after his career of service which spans more than two decades.
Anthony Addesa, 58, of Palm Beach, Florida, was arrested on Friday in Woonsocket. He is accused of skipping out on tabs for numerous local restaurants around Aquidneck Island.
Two years ago, Addesa was a hero to many in West Palm Beach, Florida. His work involved granting medical miracles for people battling cancer.
NBC 10's sister station in Florida did a profile piece on his life changing work as 20 years as a radiation oncologist.
"It's really an awesome thing to see when patients finish [cancer treatments]," Addesa told WPEC in March of 2020. "They have this awesome sense of accomplishment."
Now, Addesa faces three counts of obtaining food with intent to defraud, better known as dine-and-dash.
Kristen Matheus, manager for Tito's Cantina -- one of at least three locations where Addesa is accused of ditching the bill -- said she is stunned by the news.
"It absolutely makes it worse," Matheus told NBC 10 News. "Having a title like that, my first thought is he absolutely can afford to pay."
She caught Addesa taking off from her restaurant after ordering just under $50 in food and drinks and not paying.
"I didn't really know how to react other than just to be shocked by somebody of that caliber to be able to walk out on paying their bill," Matheus said.
This isn't Addesa's first run-in with the law. This time last year, he was facing check fraud charges back in Florida.
The Florida Department of Health labels his medical license as delinquent, but did not disclose why.
A former employer, Medical Group of South Florida, confirmed to NBC 10 News he is no longer employed there.
It is still unclear what exactly brought Addesa to Rhode Island. He told Matheus he was here visiting the area for the Newport Boat Show from California.
NBC 10 called Addesa multiple times on Monday, but did not get a response.