Colorado Safeway employee allegedly masturbated and ejaculated on food items

FORT COLLINS, Colo. (TCD) — A 32-year-old man faces charges after allegedly ejaculating on food items at his place of work and committing other sexual offenses.

According to the Fort Collins Police Department, officials received reports of a man going to local coffee shops and “performing obscene behavior around employees and customers” beginning in the summer of 2023. Police told KMGH-TV one of the victims was a minor.

Officers identified the suspect as Stephen Masalta and arrested him in February.

In a news release posted March 14, police said they reviewed digital evidence from the suspect’s home and determined he committed additional crimes.

Masalta worked at a Safeway on East Harmony Road for two months, from December 2023 until February 2024. While at work, he allegedly masturbated and ejaculated on food items that were not commercially sealed.

In a statement obtained by KMGH, a Safeway spokesperson said, “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 has been charged with 14 counts of indecent exposure, two counts of attempted indecent exposure, four counts of attempted unlawful sexual contact, and 16 counts of attempted sexual assault on a child. Additional charges are possible.

In a press conference, Fort Collins Police Chief Jeff Swoboda said police still have footage to review and are working to identify additional victims.

Masalta remains held in the Larimer County Jail on $35,000 bond.

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