Bucks Co. Shop Owner Accused Of Corrupting Minors May Have Had Other Victims: DA

BUCKS COUNTY, PA — A Richland Township shop owner accused of preying on his teenage employees, with one victim reporting he offered her money to perform a sex act, may have had other victims, the Bucks County DA's office said on Thursday.

During a news conference, District Attorney Jennifer Schorn asked that anyone who may have been victimized by Joseph Michael Grossman to come forward. She was joined at the event by

members of the Richland Township Police Department and the Bucks County District Attorney’s Office.

Grossman, 36, who owned Poppy's Peanuts inside the Quakertown Farmer's Market, was arrested on August 15 and charged with promoting the prostitution of a minor and corruption of minors. When a second victim came forward, he was charged with additional counts of corruption of minors.

During a preliminary hearing on Sept. 18, all charges against Grossman were held for trial. He is currently out on bail.

The Warminster man's arrest followed a three-month investigation by the Richland Township Police that began in June when a 17-year-old girl came forward with allegations against Grossman.

The girl told investigators that while she worked for Grossman, he would frequently make inappropriate comments and touch her legs and back.

After she quit, Grossman allegedly continued to contact her on social media. She told police that on one occasion, he asked her to meet him at the store after hours, where he offered her money and marijuana to perform a sexual act.

Following news of Grossman's arrest, detectives said a second victim came forward with similar allegations. She told police that while she worked for Grossman, he would regularly make vulgar sexual comments and grab her hips, back, and shoulders. While she did not report being offered money for a sexual act, she did say that Grossman gave her drugs.

Given the similar accounts from two victims, investigators believe there may be other victims.

Anyone who may have had a similar experience with Joseph Grossman or knows someone who did is asked to contact Richland Township Police Detective Matthew Lawhead at 215-536-9500. Callers can remain anonymous.