Pizza shop owner charged with indecent assault

The owner of a Summit Hill pizzeria has been charged with indecent assault for an incident involving a 19-year-old employee.

Marcello Russo, 40, the owner of Russo’s Pizzeria, is accused of touching a 19-year-old female employee and kissing her without her consent.

He also tried to give the teen alcohol and marijuana, according to Summit Hill Police.

Russo denied the allegations in an interview with police and said he only tried to kiss the victim.

The alleged incident occurred Oct. 8. The victim told police that Russo had been drinking throughout the night. She said that she did consume 2-3 ounces of vodka and lemonade that Russo prepared for her.

She said he pressed himself up against her and tried to kiss her twice after telling her to retrieve something from a back section of the restaurant, where other employees couldn’t see her.

The employee said she feared for her safety before going into the basement, but she reluctantly agreed because Russo was her employer.

The victim said she responded by leaving the business and running to her home, leaving her vehicle outside the pizza shop.

Two days after the alleged incidents, Russo sent her a message via social media saying, “Sorry for the other day.”

Police interviewed Russo at the station 10 days later and police said he told them he only tried to kiss the employee.

Russo has been charged with one count each of indecent assault, furnishing alcohol to a minor and harassment.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Dec. 6 at Magisterial District Court in Lansford.