September 2, 2016
Travis Kellar

EDWARDSVILLE — An employee of a pizza shop in the West Side Mall is facing charges after he allegedly sexually assaulted two juvenile coworkers.

Police on Friday charged Ireneo Panecatl, 35, with indecent assault and corruption of minors.

According to two separate criminal complaints, officers first spoke with the two victims on Wednesday about the alleged assaults. The two victims were employees of Antonio’s Pizza in the West Side Mall, and court documents indicate Panecatl was their boss.

In one case, Panecatl, who the victims knew as “Ramos,” called one of the girls back to the office so she could get her paycheck, according to an affidavit. Panecatl then allegedly lifted up the girls shirt and touched her inappropriately.

The girl tried to leave, but Panecatl allegedly stopped her from leaving and pulled her pants down. He then told her she could leave “because her shift was over.”

The girl then called her best friend, who also worked at the store and also alleged that Panecatl abused her.

According to a separate criminal complaint, another victim reported abuse on July 5 and July 6. She told police she was cleaning a restroom when Panecatl came in to check on her. After a brief conversation, Panecatl allegedly lifted up the girl’s shirt and touched her inappropriately. The girl told Panecatl to stop, but he allegedly pulled at her pants and attempted to touch her inappropriately.

The girl became upset at the time because “she did not believe this was happening, because he had helped in the past with family problems.” Panecatl allegedly told her, “I would love to do more to you, but you have to go, your ride is here.”

Panecatl was arraigned on his charges before Magisterial District Judge Paul Roberts on Friday. Officers brought to Roberts’ attention that Panecatl may be an illegal immigrant — when Roberts asked Panecatl for his Social Security number, Panecatl’s attorney Frank Nocito directed him not to answer.

Panecatl is scheduled for a preliminary hearing before Roberts at 1 p.m. on Sept. 14. Roberts set his bail at $50,000 per each complaint.

http://timesleader.com/news/582833/a...ting-employees