Minneapolis restaurant owner charged in two sexual assault cases involving employees

A Minneapolis restaurant owner has been charged in two sexual assault cases in six months, one charged earlier this year involving a minor, and the second case charged last month.

Christian Quito, 45, who is co-owner of Lyn-Lake’s Los Andes Latin Bistro at 607 West Lake Street, was charged in Hennepin County District Court in January of this year with one felony count of third-degree sexual conduct involving a minor who was age 16 at the time and Quito was in a position of authority over her.

Charges in that case say Quito summoned the 16-year-old bartender to his vehicle at the end of her shift on September 8, 2024, and began touching her, pulling her hair, and then pushed her into the back seat where he overpowered her and raped her.

Quito then tried to intimidate the victim by telling her that he had previously been arrested for killing 20 people.

The victim underwent a sexual assault exam at the hospital, where DNA was collected that matched Quito’s DNA.

Quito was released on $75,000 bail after making an initial court appearance in that case.

A second case was filed in mid-June on a felony charge of fourth-degree sexual assault involving coercion. The criminal complaint in that case alleges that at about 12:50 a.m. on June 1, Quito requested that a female staff member follow him to an office in the basement, where he locked the door.

Quito then took the victim’s phone and proceeded to kiss, grope, and fondle her. The victim continuously told Quito to stop, but he refused, the complaint says.

A witness in the second case said Quito left the premises earlier on May 31 about 5 p.m., but returned about 8 p.m. and appeared to be drunk. The victim had asked the witness to stay close because Quito had grabbed the victim’s buttocks. During the time of the later assault, the witness observed the victim crying in the locked office with Quito when the witness tried to check on her multiple times.

Charges related to the second case reiterate that Quito was already on conditional release for the first case when the second alleged case occurred. The complaint also stated that officers learned that Quito had left the state and may have left the country.

A warrant was issued for Quito’s arrest, and he was taken into custody on June 25. However, Quito was released the following day on $50,000 bail by Judge Hilary Caligiuri.

Interpreters have been requested at Quito’s court hearings, and he is being represented by private counsel.

Quito is scheduled to make his next court appearance on July 24 (for the second case). A jury trial—for his first case—has been set for Sept. 8.

Alpha News left a message for Quito’s attorney requesting comment, but did not receive a response prior to publication.

—

Minnesota Crime Watch & Information publishes news, info and commentary about crime, public safety and livability issues in Minneapolis, the Twin Cities and greater Minnesota

The post Minneapolis restaurant owner charged in two sexual assault cases involving employees appeared first on Alpha News MN.