Burger King Employee Charged With Sexually Assaulting Coworkers
PORTSMOUTH, N.H. (CBS) – A former Burger King employee was in court on Friday, charged with sexually assaulting three coworkers and impersonating a police officer to stop them from reporting the incidents.
By video conference, 27-year-old Paul Richford appeared in Portsmouth District Court accused of sexually assaulting three coworkers and telling them he would arrest them in the said anything.
Prosecutors said Richford, a shift supervisor at a Portsmouth Burger King, grabbed the breasts of three females, two who are juveniles.
According to court documents Richford allegedly inappropriately touched and fondled the women during work hours, then claimed to also be a Hampton police officer.
In court, prosecutors said Richford displayed a vest, a gun and uniform to one of the victims, adding that the incidents took place between July and September until one of the victims came forward.
"It is a very difficult thing to do, especially not only when you're talking about the nature of the allegation but the fact that this person is in a supervising role about you," said prosecutor David Colby when discussing the victim coming forward to police with the allegations.
During his Friday appearance, Richford asked the judge if he would be able to return to a job working at Five Guys Burgers and Fries.
The judge ruled that as long as Richford posted his $10,000 bail and no similar incidents had taken place at the restaurant, he would be able to return to work.
MORE LOCAL NEWS FROM CBS BOSTON