Grocery worker charged after allegedly masturbating on food items
A grocery store worker in Colorado allegedly masturbated on food items, prompting the police to file several indecent exposure cases against him.
PEOPLE reported that Stephen Masalta was arrested in February after being seen masturbating outside multiple businesses by employees and, in at least one case, a minor starting July 2023.
According to CBS News, among the places where Masalta allegedly masturbated was outside coffee shops, in front of the windows.
When Masalta worked at Safeway grocery store for two months, from December 2023 to February 2024, he also allegedly ejaculated onto food items.
In a statement, Safeway said it’s “deeply concerned” about the allegations and is cooperating with the police and the health department.
To date, police said Masalta is charged with 14 counts of indecent exposure, two counts of attempted indecent exposure, four counts of unlawful sexual contact, and 16 counts of attempted sexual assault on a child.
There may be additional victims and more charges against him, PEOPLE reported.
It isn’t clear whether Masalta has already entered pleas to the charges or retained an attorney, according to PEOPLE, though he is due for a first appearance on March 22.