Aptos, CA - Gomez Velasco, Co-owner of Erik’s DeliCafe in the Rancho Del Mar Shopping Center, Accused of Sexually Assaulting Three Minors

Deli Owner Charged With Sexually Assaulting Three Minors

According to the Santa Cruz Sentinel, sexual assault accusations were made against the co-owner of Erik’s DeliCafe located at 102 Rancho Del Mar, Aptos, CA 95003. 

On Wednesday, January 26, 2022, 39-year-old Carlos Gomez Velasco was arrested for sexual assault. Gomez Velasco and his wife took over ownership of the deli in 2018. Three minors that used to work for the deli accused Gomez Velasco of sexually assaulting them in the deli. The alleged abuse took place between 2020 and 2021. 

Gomez Velasco has been charged with one misdemeanor and nine felony charges that include four counts of sexual battery, three counts of communicating with a minor for a lewd act, and two counts of oral copulation of a person under 18 years. 

Filing Lawsuits For Being Sexually Assaulted By Employer

Attorney contributor Bobby Thompson represents victims of sexual assault in civil lawsuits. During a recent interview, Bobby shared his knowledge regarding the legal options available to victims sexually abused by an employer. 

“Business owners, along with chain owners, are legally obligated to ensure the safety of their customers and their employees. These owners have a duty to offer protection from preventable dangers by implementing proper security and safety measures. These measures may include conducting background checks, installing video surveillance, and offering a misconduct reporting process. When sexual assault occurs at work, the victim can inquire what security measures were being implemented to reduce the risk of abuse. If the inquiry uncovered inadequate security or a lack of protection when the assault occurred, the company owner might be held liable based on negligence.”

“For the victim to have sufficient grounds for a civil lawsuit, the company must be considered negligent, and the crime deemed foreseeable. The crime could be found to be foreseeable if the company owner was aware of previous misconduct yet continued working. In cases of neglect, the company may be liable for the assault. Victims should speak with a sexual assault attorney to help determine whether they can file a civil lawsuit based on negligence.”

Sources:

Santa Cruz Sentinel