Shop owner accused of ripping off foreigners

[TexasStooge]

KEY WEST, Fla. — Trying to rip off foreign tourists is not only mean, it's illegal.

T-shirt shop manager David Rothschild, 23, was charged with grand theft for allegedly overcharging by $600 a Japanese couple who purchased several T-shirts and other clothing.

As required by law, Rothschild gave Noriko Kataoka and his wife a pre-work estimate of $198.89 on the five decal-adorned shirts the Japanese couple ordered from his shop, Bikini Key.

Along with the shirts, the couple also reportedly purchased a child's bathing suit, a bikini and a dress on Sept. 5. Kataoka, who speaks little English, used Japanese characters to sign the credit card bill at Rothschild's shop.

The bill was for $798.89, according to the couple's American son-in-law Paul Weber, who examined the receipt and noticed the alleged overcharge.

Weber and his in-laws reportedly returned to the shop the next day to see if the charge was a mistake. According to police, Rothschild angrily told them that all sales were final, and then threatened Weber when he tried to videotape the dispute.

When Webber returned with a police officer, Rothschild gave the couple a refund. Rothschild was arrested this week and released from Monroe County jail on $15,000 bond. He is set for arraignment on Dec. 11.

Kataoka and his wife have since returned to Japan, but will reportedly return to Key West for Rothschild's trial.