Police said there are at least three victims, and investigators believe there may be more.
Police said there are at least three victims, and investigators believe there may be more. A Bensalem business owner has been charged with indecent assault and harassment after police say multiple employees reported years of inappropriate behavior at his bagel shop.
A summons was mailed to 59-year-old Larry Ferreira, the owner of Bagelocity Soup King on Bensalem Boulevard.
"He was in a position of trust, and unfortunately, he violated that trust," said Sgt. Glenn Vandegrift, the Bensalem Township police public information officer. According to police, employees reported that Ferreira engaged in verbal abuse and unwanted physical contact.
"Apparently, he was treating them poorly, yelling at them, cursing at them," Vandegrift said. "One of the employees was actually smacked on the buttocks a couple of different times, and even one time, causing redness and soreness to that employee. It was so hard.
" A criminal complaint states a former employee reported sexual harassment and verbal abuse to Ferreira's wife and business partner before quitting in 2025. Vandegrift said the victim later went to police, prompting an investigation that began in January. Detectives then identified two additional victims who reported similar misconduct in 2023.
"I believe employees were fearful that if they said anything, they may lose their jobs, and they need their jobs to pay the bills," Vandegrift said. Next door to the restaurant, Salon Trilogy employee Melissa Carroll said the allegations are troubling.
"I think a young innocent girl should never subject themselves to be -- if it's true -- in an abusive situation like that at work," she said. "It's a little surprising that's going on next to where we work and it's sad. "The complaint states Ferreira told detectives he smacks employees and they smack him, describing the behavior as a "two-way street.
" "If he's been doing this over a long period of time, we want him to be held accountable for his actions over this time," Vandegrift said. "All we really want is people to feel safe at the workplace, and that's what this is all about. " Police said the investigation remains active and urged any additional victims to come forward.
They also noted that last year, a 34-year-old male employee was arrested outside Bagelocity in an unrelated case and is facing child sex abuse charges.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Mom accused of leaving toddler in hot car while she gambled inside Parx CasinoA mother is facing charges after she allegedly left her 14-month-old son in a hot vehicle while she gambled at Parx Casino in Bensalem, Pennsylvania.
Read more »
Houston police officer relieved of duty after video appears to show racist slurs: policeThe officer was relieved of duty amid an investigation after a video circulating on social media appeared to show her making racist remarks.
Read more »
Bensalem Township School Board votes to cut over 2 dozen jobs to address $12M deficitThe Bensalem Township School Board held a meeting Wednesday evening where they voted to cut more than two dozen staffing positions to help close a $12-16 million budget gap.
Read more »
In cost cutting move, Bensalem School Board votes to cut over 2 dozen jobsAs the Bensalem School District faces a near $17 million budget deficit, the district approved cutting over 30 positions on Wednesday night.
Read more »
Bensalem schools are cutting more than 30 positions amid a $12 million budget gapThe Bensalem Township school board said it had no choice but to cut more than 30 positions, including teachers, counselors and assistant principals, to balance its budget.
Read more »
Bagelocity Soup King owner in Bensalem charged with indecent assault of employeesBensalem Police have charged Larry Ferreira, owner of Bagelocity Soup King, with Indecent Assault and Harassment following reports of inappropriate behavior toward employees.
Read more »