York, Livingston County - Dale Rathbun has been a regular customer at the Wadsworth Grill in York for decades. He described the bar owner, Karen Uhl, as generous and someone everyone loves.
Rathbun and other customers defended Uhl after allegations she took off with thousands of dollars in Super Bowl Pool money.
The Genesee Sun on-line newspaper reported it interviewed five customers who claimed when they went to pick-up their winnings Monday, the bar was closed and there was a note on the door from the owner.
Josh Williams, of the Genesee Sun, said the customers told him owner Karen Uhl admitted taking the money and said this in a note: "I took the money. I apologize. I'm a bad person. You will never see me again."
Livingston County Sheriff John York said Uhl closed the bar Monday and did left a note, which concerned her employees. But, Sheriff York said Uhl did not admit to taking the money, nor did she make any threats.
The Sheriff said his deputies spoke to Uhl twice after an employee called concerned about her safety. York said Uhl admitted she had financial issues because of sales tax owed to the IRS, but said she never took the money.
York said Uhl said she closed the bar because she didn't want to be there when the IRS came to shut it down.
The Sheriff said he has received no complaints of any missing Super Bowl money.
Josh Williams stands by his story and said the customers contacted him concerned about the whereabouts of their money.
Uhl re-opened the bar Tuesday, but did not return our calls for comment.
Customers said they hope she works out her financial issues because they don't want to see the bar close.
