Joseph Grossman, 36 of Warminster is aptly named as the first part of his surname “gross” alludes to the shamelessly criminal behavior authorities say he’s engaged in with teen girls employed by him at the Quakertown Farmers Market with the possibly more victims out there, authorities say.
The Bucks County District Attorney’s Office is seeking additional victims of a Quakertown Farmer’s Market shop owner accused of preying on teenage employees, with one victim reporting he offered her money to perform a sex act.
Grossman, 36, was charged by Richland Township police after an investigation that began in June. Grossman owned Poppy’s Peanuts inside the Quakertown Farmer’s Market.
According to police, a 17-year-old 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, authorities said, a second victim came forward with similar allegations. That alleged victim 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, said authorities.
Grossman was arrested on August 15 and charged with promoting the prostitution of a minor and corruption of minors. When the second victim came forward, he was charged with additional counts of corruption of minors.
A preliminary hearing was held on Sept. 18 and all charges against him were held for trial, according to online court records.
Grossman is currently out on bail. His next court date is October 17.
Given the similar accounts from the two victims, investigators believe there may be other victims.
If you or someone you know has had a similar experience with Grossman, please contact Richland Township Police Detective Matthew Lawhead at 215-536-9500. Callers can remain anonymous. You can also submit an anonymous tip by clicking this link
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