Co-Owner Of Four Seasons Restaurant Arrested On Sexual Abuse Charge

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- A co-owner of the Four Seasons is charged with sexually abusing an acquaintance during a party at the famed Manhattan restaurant.

Julian Niccolini, 62, was arraigned Wednesday night after surrendering to police in the morning.

As he left Manhattan Criminal Court with his wife and daughter, Niccolini told reporters he is not guilty and looked forward to getting back to work.

According to a criminal complaint, he tried to kiss the woman on May 9, groped her, tugged at her dress and stockings, and ripped her bra. Prosecutors say she had scratch marks on her back and bruising on her hip.

The woman told detectives she repeatedly asked him to stop and tried to break free.

Niccolini's lawyer, John Moscow, says a bartender and guests from two events were nearby at the time.

The alleged victim is said to be a 28-year-old acquaintance of Niccolini, CBS2 reported.

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