EVERETT, Wash — An Everett tavern owner was arrested for an alleged string of sexual assaults at his business over the last several years, according to the Everett Police Department.
During interviews with special detectives, male and female victims told detectives they only had a few drinks at the tavern on the 1000 block of Hewitt Ave. but had no recollection of what happened after. Upon waking up, victims believed they were sexually assaulted, according to police.
“There have been unreported concerns from individuals both male and female that they have gone to the business don't remember the events of the night and ultimately believe a sexual assault occurred,” said Officer Aaron Snell of the Everett Police Department.
In 2020, a woman told police she was at the tavern with friends and reported not being able to remember much of the night after only having a few drinks. The woman recalled being in the office with the owner and another man and believed they both assaulted her, according to a release from the Everett Police Department. Later, at a local hospital, test results confirmed there had been sexual contact.
Snell said these cases can be difficult to investigate because the victims sometimes don’t remember exactly what occurred but police want to try and work with anyone who has information.
“People that are victimized in these types of cases – it's difficult for them to come forward. They may blame themselves. They may blame others so treating them with dignity and respect is very important,” he explained.
The business owner was arrested and booked into the Snohomish County Jail on probable cause for rape and indecent liberties, according to police.
KING 5 heard from numerous people in the community through Facebook, over the phone and in-person that there have been problems at the bar for years. Several people came forward who reported seeing the owner serve excessive amounts of alcohol to people and then take them to his apartment which was across from the bar.
A woman who asked not to be identified because of safety concerns said, “I’ve talked to several friends of mine and we are all just breathing a sigh of relief. It’s not justice yet, but it is hope that it will be served.”
The investigation into reports of sexual assaults at the business remains ongoing. Detectives believe there may be other victims. Anyone with information about these crimes, or who has been victimized in past incidents, is asked to call the Everett Police Department tip line at 425-257-8450.