Waterbury Man Arrested on Multiple Sexual Assault Charges Involving Restaurant Employees

Woodbury, Conn. (BuzzReport) — A 55-year-old man has been arrested and charged with multiple counts of sexual assault following an investigation into allegations involving several employees at a restaurant where he served as head chef.

Walid Gad, of Waterbury, was taken into custody on March 25 and faces five counts of sexual assault in the first degree and one count of sexual assault in the fourth degree. Authorities say the charges stem from alleged incidents that occurred between January and June 2025 at a restaurant in Woodbury. While the arrest warrant does not name the establishment, investigators noted the business also operates a second location in Danbury.

According to an arrest affidavit, the case came to light in August 2025 when three former employees reported to the Woodbury Resident Trooper’s Office that they had been sexually assaulted by Gad. The victims told investigators they were undocumented immigrants at the time of the alleged incidents.

The Connecticut State Police Western District Major Crime Squad launched an investigation, which uncovered a pattern of alleged abuse. One victim told authorities Gad forced her into sexual acts on multiple occasions inside the restaurant and threatened to contact immigration authorities and have her fired if she reported the assaults.

During an interview with police in August 2025, Gad acknowledged having sexual contact with one of the accusers five or six times but claimed the encounters were consensual. He denied any sexual contact with other employees.

Investigators also learned that in June 2025, two victims had approached the restaurant’s owner to report the alleged misconduct. According to the affidavit, the owner allegedly offered the victims $20,000 in cash in exchange for their silence. The victims declined the offer.

A witness further corroborated parts of the allegations, telling authorities they observed Gad inappropriately touching one of the victims on multiple occasions.

As the investigation progressed, authorities identified three additional alleged victims, all of whom are U.S. citizens. Officials said all of the accusers were employed at the restaurant at the time the alleged assaults occurred.

State police indicated that additional arrest warrant applications tied to the newly identified victims are currently being prepared.

Gad was held on a $750,000 bond and has been ordered to have no contact with the victims. According to investigators, he has no prior criminal history.

The case remains under active investigation.