Summit County authorities have filed felony theft charges against a Park City food server who allegedly doctored credit-card receipts to reflect larger tips - up to $100 more.

Fernanda Vieira Smith, 27, of Park City, has been charged with third-degree felony theft in Summit County's 3rd District Court.

According to the charging document, Smith allegedly altered a number of credit-card receipts between Jan. 26 and March 18 at the upscale Ghidotti's restaurant near Kimball Junction, where she worked as a server. Authorities said she overcharged more than a dozen customers a total of $1,010.

Most of the alleged overcharges were between $10 and $20, according to Summit County Prosecutor Gus Chin. But one of the receipts appears to be in excess of $100 more than the original total, he said.

Authorities were alerted to irregularities by the restaurant's financial manager. Jason Knighton told Summit County Sheriff's deputies that customers had complained about incorrect charges when comparing credit-card statements to restaurant receipts.

County investigators believe the alleged scheme may have started when the server was left a paltry tip on a large bill.

County Attorney David Brickey said that although food handlers might, from time to time, feel slighted by cheap diners, it is not an excuse to break the law.

Brickey said he prosecuted two similar cases last year in and around Park City.

A third-degree felony is punishable by 0-5 years in prison and up to a $5,000 fine.

csmart@sltrib.com