2nd Trial to Begin for Ex-Bethel Restaurant Owner Accused of Raping 2 Employees

Bethel, CT — More than three years after his arrest, Antonio Fernandes, of Bethel, will begin a new jury trial for the alleged raped of two former employees, according to court records.

The former restaurant owner was charged with two counts of sexual assault in 2013. Fernandes turned himself in to Bethel police on April 12, 2013 on an active arrest warrant.

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According to Connecticut Judicial Court case records, Fernandes is due in court on September 7, 2016 for a new jury trial. The last trial ended in a hung jury, according to his Attorney Gene Zingaro.

The charges stem from accusations from two former employees of his restaurant, Tonelli's on Grassy Plain Street, for incidents that allegedly occurred at the restaurant in 2011. According to Bethel police, two women reported that he had sexually assaulted them.

He has pleaded not guilty to both charges.

Fernandes was released in April of 2013 after posting $200,000 bond. Tonelli’s closed and was under new ownership as of July, 2013.

Patch file photo

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