San Diego

Owner of Valley Center Pizza Parlor Arrested on Sexual Battery Charges

Investigators confirmed Mark DeSimone, the owner of Pizza Pazza on Lilac Road, is accused of sexual battery on several alleged victims at his restaurant in San Diego's North County

The owner of a Valley Center pizza parlor was arrested and charged with multiple counts of sexual battery earlier this month, the San Diego County Sheriff's Department announced Tuesday.

Mark DeSimone, owner of Pizza Pazza on Lilac Road, is accused of sexual battery in connection with multiple females at his restaurant over the course of the last two years, according to the SDSO.

It was not clear if the alleged victims were customers or employees.

A warrant was issued for DeSimone and Valley Center deputies arrested him at his eatery on Sept. 5.

The SDSO said investigators are still searching for more victims.

"We have a lot of young people that come here, especially on the weekend or after school, and he's an older man, an adult, and he should know better. I'm quite shocked," one customer said.

DeSimone and his wife also ran a Pizza Pazza food truck out of La Jolla.

If convicted, DeSimone could face up to six months in jail and up to $3,000 in fines.

Crime Stoppers is offering up to $1,000 for information that leads to an arrest. Tips can be made by calling (888) 580-8477 or on the P3 anonymous tip app.

No other information was available.

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