Vin-Go Still A Go Despite Arrest of COO

Vin-Go LLC, a Napa-based wine compliance and shipping start-up is still a going concern despite the recent arrest of its Chief Operating Officer said the company’s majority shareholder James Delaney.

Vin-Go COO Michael J. Steinhauer was extradited Tuesday to Charlotte Amalie on the island of St. Thomas to face embezzlement charges brought against him by the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Justice.

“We have suspended him until he exonerates himself,” said Delaney who added that Steinhauer was expected to return from the Virgin Islands this week. “Don’t forget, he’s innocent until proven guilty.”

STEINHAUER CHARGES STEM FROM 2006

According to the V.I. Department of Justice, Steinhauer is accused of illegally taking more than $50,000 from his employer in 2006 — the Holiday Inn Windward Passage Hotel — where he served as comptroller. In that position, said the V.I. Justice Dept., Steinhauer “was an authorized signatory on the Hotel’s bank account and had access to hotel funds.”

Steinhauer is formally charged with one count each of forgery, obtaining money by false pretense, grand larceny, and two counts of embezzlement. A warrant on those charges was issued on June 3, 2009. The outstanding arrest warrant was served on Steinhauer at his Second Street Napa home on March 31.

Steinhauer previously served as controller for Rutherford-based Auberge du Soleil.

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Also In This Article:

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• TOP SHAREHOLDER SAYS VIN-GO IS “BUSINESS AS USUAL

• VIN-GO STARTED IN 2009 AS OUTGROWTH OF 30-YR-OLD SHIPPING BUSINESS

• ADOBE CREEK/REDWOOD EMPIRE VENTURE IN LIMBO

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