A neighborhood bagel shop that usually draws a breakfast crowd is now at the center of a criminal case. Bensalem Township detectives on Thursday arrested 59-year-old Larry Ferreira, owner of Bagelocity & The Soup King, after a former employee reported years of alleged workplace harassment and inappropriate touching. Ferreira was charged with indecent assault and harassment. Investigators say several current and former employees later came forward with accounts of verbal abuse, sexual harassment in person and by cellphone, and in some cases unwanted physical contact.
Police Say Complaint From Ex-Worker Sparked Case
According to a post on Facebook from the Bensalem Police Department, detectives launched the investigation after a former employee contacted them and reported ongoing harassment. The department said investigators then interviewed several current and former staff members. Police also asked anyone with additional information to call detectives at (215) 633-3719.
Workers Allege Years Of Harassment
As reported by Patch, multiple employees told detectives that Ferreira subjected female staff to inappropriate physical contact and sexually harassing behavior, both in person and via cellphone. Workers also described what they said was ongoing verbal abuse over a period of years. Patch reports that detectives spoke with several current and former employees who recounted similar experiences.
Neighborhood Deli Under A Harsh Spotlight
Bagelocity & The Soup King is a local breakfast and lunch spot known for bagels and soups, and has been featured in local coverage and directory listings as a regular stop for Bensalem residents and commuters. That routine backdrop is now overshadowed by the criminal allegations against its owner.
Charges Filed As Case Moves Forward
Bensalem Police charged Ferreira with indecent assault and harassment, a step noted in local reporting on the case. Detectives reiterated in their public post that anyone who believes they may have been victimized should contact the department at the number provided.
Legal Notes
Indecent assault and harassment are criminal charges, and anyone accused is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court. The Bucks County District Attorney's Office is expected to review the investigation and decide whether to file formal charges, set an arraignment date, or seek bail conditions as the case proceeds.
