A Palm Beach restaurant manager is under fire for the alleged sexual abuse of a 16-year-old employee, with accusations spanning several months. Juan Carlos Trujillo, 54, was arrested after a troubling series of events culminating in the victim's car accident while under the influence of alcohol. Currently lodged in Palm Beach County jail without bond, Trujillo faces a tally of 13 charges, including sexual assault and child abuse, according to law enforcement officials and a report furnished by WFLX.
Details surrounding the case reveal a harrowing ordeal that reportedly lasted from January until April. The investigation laid out by authorities indicates that Trujillo used his position of power to manipulate and coerce the teenage girl. On April 17, he allegedly forced the minor to consume alcohol to the point of inebriation before permitting her departure from PB Catch, the swanky seafood spot he managed. The adolescent ultimately crashed her vehicle on Flagler Drive in West Palm Beach, which led to her hospitalization with a blood alcohol content of .248, according to a WPTV report. Following the crash, bruises around her hips and other areas were documented.
In a statement obtained by WFLX, police disclosed that the girl was Baker Acted and taken to Coral Shores Medical Center in Stuart after articulating thoughts of self-harm. The victim confided to investigators that Trujillo repeatedly provided her with alcohol and would not permit her to leave the establishment until she was intoxicated "in the hopes that he would have sex with him." Furthermore, the victim accused Trujillo of touching her inappropriately on multiple instances.
Detectives learned that earlier this year, in January, Trujillo attempted to keep her confined in the manager's office against she will. The young victim had remained silent about these sexual advances, fearing ostracization by her boyfriend, friends, and family, she told investigators in a report cited by WPTV. Trujillo’s arraignment is scheduled for May 28, at 10:30 a.m., where more details regarding the charges are expected to emerge.
