A Burger King employee in Pennsylvania has been arrested and charged with the sexual assault of two underage coworkers, according to local authorities. Anthony Burns, 37, of Spring City, faces allegations that include statutory sexual assault and aggravated indecent assault.

Burns allegedly used his position at a Burger King in East Pikeland Township, to groom and assault the teenage victims, both of whom were his coworkers, reported NBC Philadelphia. The criminal complaint suggests that one of the victims was assaulted multiple times between December 2023 and February 2024, including incidents where Burns is accused of entering the teen's home through a bedroom window to engage in sexual acts.

In addition to sexual assault, the Chester County Detectives disclosed that Burns sent the other victim sexually explicit texts over a month and groped her at the Burger King premises, an account corroborated by 6abc. Charged on various counts, Burns waived his preliminary hearing on August 8, as per the information provided by the Chester County District Attorney's Office.

"This Defendant had sex with one child and groomed another. Our teenagers should be able to participate in work related activities without the fear of being subjected to this kind of despicable behavior," Chester County District Attorney Christopher L. de Barrena-Sarobe said in a statement, a sentiment echoed across the reports by multiple outlets including the NBC Philadelphia. In the wake of the allegations, a Burger King spokesperson confirmed Burns' termination from the franchisee-operated restaurant, underscoring the franchise's commitment to a safe working environment for all team members.

The investigation into the case remains ongoing, and the franchisee is cooperating with the local authorities, as mentioned in a statement obtained by 6abc. Details of the case are still developing, and further information is expected to be released by the authorities as the legal process continues. Burns, after being arraigned on July 29 with bail set at $150,000, remains a central figure in the disturbing allegations that have brought to light the issue of workplace safety and the protection of minors across the state and beyond.