A former head chef from a restaurant in Woodbury, Connecticut has been arrested and charged with multiple counts of sexual assault after several former employees accused him of misconduct, according to authorities.
Chef Faces Multiple Sexual Assault Charges
Police say Walid Gad, 55, of Waterbury, Connecticut, was taken into custody and is now facing:
- Five counts of first-degree sexual assault
- One count of fourth-degree sexual assault
He is currently being held on a $750,000 bond as the investigation continues.
Investigation Began After Employee Complaints
The case dates back to August 2025, when three former employees reported allegations to state police. As investigators dug deeper, three additional victims were identified—bringing the total number of alleged victims to six.
Authorities say all of the individuals worked at the same restaurant during the time the alleged incidents occurred.
Allegations Include Coercion and Repeated Misconduct
According to the arrest warrant:
- One victim claimed she was forced into sexual acts on multiple occasions
- Other employees reported unwanted touching and repeated harassment in the workplace
The primary accuser stated that the alleged abuse began months after she was hired in 2023 and escalated over time.
Investigators also allege the suspect used intimidation tactics, including threats related to immigration status, to control and silence victims.
Witnesses and Additional Victims Come Forward
One employee reportedly witnessed an alleged assault and later shared her own experience of inappropriate behavior.
Other staff members told investigators they had:
- Observed inappropriate conduct in the kitchen
- Seen repeated harassment directed at female employees
These accounts contributed to identifying additional victims.
Restaurant Management Also Under Scrutiny
According to the warrant, concerns were raised about how the situation was handled internally:
- A restaurant owner, identified in documents as “Tony,” was informed of the allegations
- He allegedly minimized the behavior and discouraged reporting
- He is also accused of offering money in exchange for silence
Authorities have not announced charges against the owner at this time.
Suspect Denies Most Allegations
During questioning, Gad admitted to a consensual relationship with one employee but denied any misconduct involving others.
Police say the investigation relied on multiple victim statements, witness accounts, and supporting evidence.
Ongoing Legal Proceedings
Gad was terminated from his position in September 2025. He now faces serious felony charges, and the case is expected to proceed through the Connecticut court system.
Officials emphasize that the investigation remains active and encourage anyone with additional information to come forward.