An 87-year-old Menlo Park antique dealer is in custody after being arrested on six felony counts of lewd acts with a 14-year-old girl and two counts of battery.
Bela Joseph Demeter, owner of Demeter Antiques Ltd. at 721 Oak Grove Ave., is accused of cornering the girl, who was shopping in his store, kissing her and touching her breasts, over her protests, according the San Mateo County District Attorney’s Office.
The girl reported the assault to the Menlo Park police, who sent in a youthful undercover officer a week later. Mr. Demeter attempted to grope and kiss the officer, the District Attorney’s Office report said.
Mr. Demeter was arraigned in Redwood City Municipal Court on July 21 before Commissioner Kathleen McKenna. He pleaded not guilty, and a private defender was appointed to represent him.
A preliminary hearing is set for 2 p.m. on Thursday, August 3. Mr. Demeter remains in custody on $250,000 bail.
He has no prior convictions, according to Deputy District Attorney Melissa McKowan.
