CARLISLE, Iowa — The owner of a Carlisle restaurant was arrested last week for allegedly sexually assaulting or groping at least four of his employees — some who were underage teens at the time.

James Hamm, 43, the owner of Coco & Nini’s Restaurant & Lounge in Carlisle, is charged with one count of third-degree sexual abuse, two counts of lascivious conduct with a minor, and one count of assault.

Criminal complaints claim Hamm sexually assaulted a female employee during an after-party at the restaurant in 2019. The victim also told Carlisle Police that Hamm made sexual comments toward her and would touch her without her consent.

Similar claims were made by three other employees, who told police Hamm groped them and made sexual comments. Some of the alleged victims were 14 and 15 years old at the time of the incidents.

A preliminary hearing for Hamm has been scheduled for September 29th.