A man is currently facing 14 counts of indecent exposure after allegedly ejaculating on food while working at Safeway.
Fort Collins Police Services say investigations began in July last year when officers received multiple complaints over a person who was claimed to be masturbating outside businesses.
Cops said many of the incidents took place at coffee shops, and in at least one case, the victim was a juvenile.
Officers identified Stephen Masalta as the suspect and executed a search warrant at the 32-year-old’s home in February.
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He was arrested for 14 counts of indecent exposure (Class 1 misdemeanor) and was booked into Larimer County Jail.
Chief Jeff Swoboda said “multiple pieces of evidence” were collected in the search, and found videos showing Masalta ejaculating on food items at a Safeway grocery store where he worked.
The chief said Masalta worked at the Safeway located at 1426 East Harmony Road from December 2023 to February 2024.
He added food items affected in the videos were not commercially sealed.
Officers say they have “many more videos to go through” but believe there are “multiple victims and we have multiple felony charges against Mr Masalta”.
Masalta faces several charges, including 14 counts of indecent exposure, two counts of attempted indecent exposure, and four counts of attempted unlawful sexual contact, which are all misdemeanors. He also faces 16 felony counts of attempted sexual assault on a child.
A Safeway spokesperson has said the company is “deeply concerned” over the allegations. They are working with both the health department and the police.
A statement reads: “At Safeway, the safety of our customers and associates is our top priority. We are deeply concerned about the allegations against the former associate, and we are cooperating with the Fort Collins Police and the Health Department in the ongoing investigation of this incident.”
Masalta remains in custody on a $35,000 bond, with his next court appearance set for Monday.
Anyone with information about Masalta is asked to call the department’s tipline at 970-416-2825.
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