Ex-Cafeteria Worker in Dog House After Listing Dog as Dependent: Cops

A former cafeteria manager in western Pennsylvania is heading to trial for allegedly listing his pooch as a dependent so that he could score discounted school lunches for his kids.

Police say that 36-year-old Gabriel Paulick was working for the school district when he gave false information -- including naming his dog, Karla, as an additional family member -- to qualify for the federal meals program, according to the Observer-Reporter in Washington County.

Authorities claim that Paulick received more than $1700 in lunch discounts for his children and almost $10,000 worth of discounts for others – including four school district employees who authorities say got the discounts with Paulick’s help.

Those employees weren’t charged with crimes and have since repaid the school district, but Paulick is facing theft-related charges.

His attorney says that charges of criminal solicitation are unfair because the other employees are not facing any charges, reports the Observer.

A Washington County prosecutor said after a preliminary hearing on Thursday that Paulick was encouraging a crime by his actions.

Paulick is free on bond.