NJ Restaurant Owner Sexually Assaulted Employees, Job-Seeker, Police Say

MERCER COUNTY, NJ— A Mercer County restaurant owner was arrested and charged after he sexually assaulted multiple women, Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo Onofri said Thursday. Three women were former employees and one was sexually assaulted when she went for a job interview, officials said.

Gerald Araya, 44, of Ewing, was arrested in Trenton on Wednesday afternoon, Lawrence Police Chief Chris Longo said.

He is charged with five counts of first-degree aggravated sexual assault, one count of first-degree sexual assault, two counts of second-degree sexual assault, one count of first-degree kidnapping, two counts of fourth-degree criminal sexual contact and one count of third-degree endangering the welfare of a child.

Last month, a young woman contacted the Trenton police to report a sexual assault and a joint investigation with the MCPO Special Victims Unit ensued, Onofri said.

The woman told detectives that she met Araya during a job interview at Dubai Restaurant & Lounge. Araya wanted the woman to see his other establishments in Trenton so they left Dubai and arrived at another bar in Trenton where Araya began making the woman drinks and insisting she try them so she knew what she was serving patrons, Onofri said.

The woman said she started feeling ill and told Araya she wanted to go home. The next memory the woman had was of waking up in a room naked and being sexually assaulted by Araya, according to Onofri.

Further investigation revealed that the assault took place at a motel in Lawrence Township, while the victim was physically helpless.

A joint investigation was conducted by the Prosecutor’s Office, Trenton Police and Lawrence Police detectives. They identified three more victims who previously worked for Araya, Onofri said.

The prosecutor’s office has filed a motion to detain Araya pending trial.

On Wednesday, search warrants were executed at Araya’s home in Ewing Township, along with three establishments he owns and operates in Trenton - El Catador Lounge Restaurant on New York Avenue, Dubai Restaurant & Lounge on New York Avenue, and Mill Hill Restaurant & Lounge on South Broad Street.

He was taken into custody without incident outside of his Mill Hill Restaurant & Lounge.

“This investigation was truly a cooperative effort and a perfect example of how successful law enforcement can be when we work together,” Onofri said. “From the lead detectives who operated with unwavering commitment on this case from the beginning to the four brave woman who came forward to share their stories and work with investigators to ensure this predator was taken off of the streets. No one can do it alone. We will continue to work with our partners and our communities to make Mercer County safe.”

Trenton Police Director Steve Wilson acknowledged the women who came forward to share their stories of assault.

"They are survivors. It took a great deal of courage, trust in our detectives, and patience with the process to get to this point,” Wilson said.

Chief Longo commended the collaboration between all the law enforcement departments. “The arrest in this case underscores our collective dedication to bringing justice to victims of sexual assault,” Longo said.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the prosecutor’s SVU at (609) 989-6568 or mcposvu@mercercounty.org.

First-degree crimes carry a sentence of 10 to 20 years in state prison and a fine of up to $200,000. Second-degree crimes carry a sentence of five to 10 years in state prison and a fine of up to $150,000. Third-degree charges carry a sentence of three of five years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000. Fourth-degree charges carry a sentence of up to 18 months in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

Have a correction or a news tip? Email sarah.salvadore@patch.com