UPDATE: Prosecutors dismissed the charges against Damani on November 14, court documents show.
An employee reported feeling drugged before allegedly being sexually assaulted by the owner of Rosati’s Pizza in Crystal Lake last year, and police believe there are more victims.
The Crystal Lake Police Department began an investigation on March 26 into a report of a sexual assault, according to Deputy Police Chief Thomas Kotlowski.
The incident reportedly occurred at the Rosati’s Pizza, 40 West Terra Cotta Avenue in Crystal Lake, in the summer of 2020.
Kotlowski said that the victim, a female employee, reported to police that she felt semi-incoherent after consuming a beverage offered by the franchise owner, identified as Asif S. Damani.
The female employee reported that she tried leaving the business but Damani physically assaulted her, Kotlowski said.
Officers arrested Damani, 35, of the 300 block of Terramere Lane in Lake in the Hills, on Monday. He was charged with four counts of battery, a Class A misdemeanor.
According to a criminal complaint filed in McHenry County court, Damani pushed the victim up against the glass window outside of the restaurant.
He then allegedly kissed the woman on her face against her wishes, the complaint said.
The complaint also said that once the woman got to her car, Damani pushed her up against the vehicle and kissed her on the cheek, despite the woman telling him not to touch her.
Kotlowski refused to release any additional details on the incident or say if more serious charges could be filed.
“It is believed there may be other female employee victims of the same circumstances described above. This case remains an active investigation,” Kotlowski said.
Damani posted a $100 cash bond and was released pending a May 4 court date.
Anyone who was a victim or has any additional information is asked to contact the Crystal Lake Police Department at 815-356-3620.