Platypus Bar Co-Owner Pleads Guilty to Credit Card Fraud

Anthony Saputo, co-owner of the popular St. Louis bar Platypus, pleaded guilty in federal court to committing credit card fraud against one of his business partners.

Prosecutors allege that Saputo applied for an American Express card under his co-owner's name and Social Security number on September 9, 2021, without their knowledge or permission.

Saputo used the card to rack up nearly $30,000 in debt within two months, including a $3,000 cash advance that he used to pay for personal expenses such as rent and a car loan.

As part of his plea deal, Saputo will release any ownership interest in the bar and be ordered to pay restitution. He is scheduled to be sentenced on December 1.