Justin McKeone, a well-known face on Melbourne’s social circuit and ex-husband of 2017 Miss Universe Australia winner Olivia Molly Rogers, has found himself in hot water.
The 37-year-old has been accused of stealing a staggering $481,490.33 from his former employer, a pharmaceutical sales company.
A Life of Luxury and Scandal
Mr. McKeone was once a high-flyer, rubbing shoulders with Melbourne’s elite and enjoying a luxurious lifestyle. But it seems his life of extravagance was built on a foundation of deceit. Court documents reveal that his employer, Cozmic Sales Pty Ltd, trading as Rocket Brands, has accused him of misappropriating hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Erratic Behavior and Shady Transactions
It all started when staff alerted Cozmic Sales director Matthew Holmes to Mr. McKeone’s erratic behavior. He was allegedly sleeping in the office toilets for up to four hours a day, taking 90-minute lunch breaks, and leaving the office regularly without performing his duties. But things took a darker turn when external accountants discovered 114 unauthorized payments totaling $481,490.33 made to Mr. McKeone’s personal bank account between May 23 and October 6.
The Confession
When confronted by Mr. Holmes, Mr. McKeone confessed to stealing the money to support a serious drug habit. He claimed he would do his best to return the funds, but he didn’t have any of the stolen money in his bank account.
The Aftermath
Mr. McKeone is no longer employed by the company, and the alleged theft was reported to Victoria Police in October. An application for a freezing order against Mr. McKeone was granted, and he was subsequently interviewed by police. The investigation is ongoing, and no charges have been laid.
A High-Profile Relationship Turned Sour
Mr. McKeone’s personal life has also been making headlines. He married Miss Universe Australia winner Olivia Molly Rogers in 2022, but the couple split just eight months later. The pair’s glamorous relationship and high-profile breakup sparked a media frenzy, with Ms. Rogers even posting their wedding video with Mr. McKeone edited out.
Moving On
Both Mr. McKeone and Ms. Rogers have moved on to new relationships. Ms. Rogers is dating business consultant Hugo Breakey, while Mr. McKeone is seeing former contestant on The Bachelor, Tahnee Leeson. But for Mr. McKeone, the road ahead looks uncertain, with his reputation in tatters and a potentially lengthy legal battle on the horizon.