A small-time scam could mean a criminal record for a Cedar Rapids man who was arrested and charged by the Ames Police Wednesday after he reportedly attempted to deceive local restaurants into paying his dry cleaning bill.

Charles Scott was charged with four counts of fifth- degree theft, said Ames Police Commander Jim Robinson.

Scott allegedly entered restaurants in the Ames area and asked to see the manager. He would then tell restaurant employees that an employee had spilled on his clothes a few days earlier and ask for compensation for his $11 dry cleaning bill.

Robinson said the man went to Diamond Dave’s, The Atrium, Flame and Skewer and Perkins Wednesday night. He was successful at some locations.

Scott was arrested later that night while trying the scam at another Ames restaurant, Robinson said.

“We have had this type of scam before,” Robinson said. However, he said this is the first time they have apprehended an individual for this type of crime.

Robinson said the investigation is still open. If more restaurants come forward with reports of victimization in this scam, additional charges may be made.

Robinson said Scott has appeared before a judge and is no longer being held at the Ames Police Department.

The penalty for each fifth-degree theft charge is a fine ranging from $50 to $500 with a possibility of up to 30 days in jail, according to the Iowa Code.