Hemet Steakhouse Owner, a Murrieta Resident, Accused of Sexual Assault

A Hemet restaurant owner was arrested Tuesday on suspicion of sexual assault, ending a six-week investigation of allegations made by former employees of the establishment, Hemet police said.

Mouris Ghipriel, 55, owner of Duke's Steakhouse, was taken into custody Tuesday after he left his residence in the city of Murrieta, Hemet police Lt. Duane Wisehart said in a statement.

Investigators also served a search warrant at the restaurant, at 360 N. San Jacinto St. in Hemet, at the same time, Wisehart said.

"The arrest and search warrant were the culmination of a 6 week investigation of the owner for several crimes of a sexual nature that had been alleged by former employees of the restaurant," Wisehart said.

Ghipriel was booked at 5:37 p.m. Tuesday at Southwest Detention Center in Murrieta, where his bail was set at $1 million, according to Wisehart and inmate records.

Wisehart said Ghipriel was booked on suspicion of sexual penetration with force, false imprisonment, assault with intent to commit rape, sexual battery, and kidnap to commit rape.

Investigators believe there is more than one alleged victim in the case, Wisehart said.

Anyone with more information was urged to contact the Hemet Police Department at (951) 765-2400.