Board member allegedly embezzled more than $1M from Chicago MICHELIN-starred restaurant company

CHICAGO (WLS) -- A board member linked to one of Chicago's MICHELIN starred-restaurants is accused of embezzling more than $1 million of the company's money.

The owners of Ever and its sister cocktail bar After sued Aaron Gersonde. They accuse him of spending more than $1.4 million on lavish shopping sprees, trips and entertainment.

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The lawsuit says Gersonde has access to the company's bank accounts and a credit card since he helped monitor finances.

Among the alleged charges are $18,000 at Louis Vuitton, $48,000 at American Airlines and nearly $200,000 at Amazon.

Gersonde responded on Tuesday night, saying, in part, "I take these allegations seriously, but they are not accurate... I had been working toward a private and constructive resolution in order to protect the team, the guests, and the reputation of the restaurant."