Jexal's Wing-Zeria in McHenry closed for a week amid criminal investigation against owner

Jexal’s Wing-Zeria is closed until at least July 15 amid a criminal investigation against one of its co-owners.

Mike Dumelle of Huntley is accused of accessing point of sales data from a neighboring restaurant where he formerly was involved, according to court records. Dumelle is co-owner of Jexal’s, 1260 N. Green St., McHenry.

The city determined the charge constituted a violation of local liquor control ordinances, which led to a weeklong liquor license suspension and fines, according to city documents.

The restaurant cites a kitchen expansion as the reason it is closed. Dumelle declined to comment when reached Tuesday by phone.

Dumelle was arrested and charged with computer tampering June 14, according to a criminal complaint filed by the McHenry Police Department. He could face less than a year in prison and fines not to exceed $2,500 if convicted under state sentencing guidelines.

Police allege that Dumelle remotely accessed computer software known as R-Enterprise, used by Buddyz Pizza in McHenry, according to police records. Dumelle was involved with the operation of the restaurant before opening Jexal’s in December.

Deputy Police Chief Tom Walsh wouldn’t say what information Dumelle allegedly was seeking. Point of sales systems record and process retail and restaurant transactions. Some systems also can track inventory and other data.

The charges brought into question whether Dumelle is allowed to hold a liquor license in the city of McHenry, according to police records. Police requested that the city’s liquor control commissioner hold a hearing on the matter to determine a fine or suspend or revoke Dumelle’s liquor license.

A hearing was held June 19, and the city determined that Dumelle must pay a $3,000 fine, plus $1,200 for legal costs and offer a formal apology to the alleged victim, according to city documents.

Jexal’s liquor license also was suspended from 6 a.m. Monday to 6 a.m. July 15, according to city documents. Jexal’s could have remained open for food service but would have had to post notice of the liquor license suspension in the restaurant, according to city documents.

The liquor commissioner typically is the mayor or a designee. City Administrator Derik Morefield is listed as the designated commissioner on city documents.

The liquor commissioner is in charge of “examining applicants for liquor licenses to determine their qualifications, holding hearings on alleged violations, issuing and revoking licenses for violations, imposing fines and suspending a liquor dealer’s license,” according to state law.

Dumelle’s alleged conduct violated both state law and local ordinances, constituted “bad character” and created a bad reputation for the city, which all affect Dumelle’s eligibility to hold a liquor license, according to police records.

Dumelle co-owns the pizza and wings restaurant and runs the business with managing partner Joel Lopez-Gomez. Dumelle's name is the only one which appears on the liquor license and he is listed as sole owner on Illinois Liquor Control Commission records.

Lopez-Gomez couldn’t be reached for comment. Buddyz owner Sean Wade declined to comment while the investigation is ongoing.