by Alex Lloyd Gross
A candy/ice cream shop owner is in serious trouble after authorities said that he allegedly molested young girls that worked in his shop, Poppy’s Peanuts,which was located in the Quakertown Farmers Market. Joseph Grossman was first charged by Richland Twp. Police after a 17 year old former employee called them and reported his lewd behavior.
Grossman would allegedly touch the girls legs and her back. He would also make lewd comments of a sexual nature to her. The girl quit, but Grossman did not. Police said he continued to follow her on social media and offered her money and marijuana to perform a sex act on him. The girl refused.
Once word got out, another girl had a similar experience. Grossman allegedly grabbed her hips and back, and gave her drugs. He never offered her money for sex. Grossman is 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. He is currently out on bail.
Police think there may be other girls out there, either employees or customers that had similar experiences . They want to hear from them. A girl working her first or second real job can get traumatized and become leery of the workplace when this happens, authorities said. In addition to criminal charges, Grossman can also face a civil lawsuit, authorities said.
If you or someone you know has had a similar experience with Joseph Grossman, please contact Richland Township Police Detective Matthew Lawhead at 215-536-9500. Callers can remain anonymous.