The owner of a Silver Spring bakery has been arrested following a police investigation into multiple allegations of inappropriate touching during business hours, Montgomery County police said Friday in a press release.
Jose Melvin Mendoza, 56, of Silver Spring, the owner of Passion Bakery Café at 2281 Bel Pre Road, has been charged with 13 counts of second-degree assault, two counts of fourth-degree sex offense and one count of fourth-degree sex offense by a person in a position of authority, according to court records and the police release.
Mendoza’s attorney, David Moyse of the Jezic & Moyse law firm in Wheaton, told MoCo360 Friday evening that it was “very disappointing to have this amount of publicity on a case that we believe to be absolutely false.
“There’s a process we are going to fully engage in. We look forward to a trial and to the truth, which is that Mr. Mendoza did not commit any of these allegations,” Moyse said.
According to the release, police received reports from multiple people who alleged Mendoza inappropriately touched them at the bakery. Police investigated the reports and an arrest warrant was issued for Mendoza, the release said. The release did not say whether the alleged victims were customers or employees of the bakery.
Court records indicate Mendoza was served with the arrest warrant July 26. He was arrested and held without bond. Mendoza posted a $5,000 personal bond at a bond hearing Monday and was released.
Mendoza is scheduled to face trial on the charges Sept. 10 in Montgomery County District Court in Silver Spring, according to court records.
Detectives said they believe there may be additional alleged victims and urge anyone with information to call 240-773-5476, according to the release.
In addition, police are asking anyone with information about the suspect to visit the Crime Solvers of Montgomery County website or to call 1-866-411-8477. Tips can remain anonymous.
