KHTS Radio Santa Clarita Radio – Santa Clarita News
A Newhall business owner is being accused by an employee of sexual harassment, and was charged with four counts related to an alleged misdemeanor sexual battery at the owner’s restaurant.
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Sam Albert Gardian was charged with two misdemeanor counts of battery and two misdemeanor counts of sexual battery in connection with the allegation, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.
Gardian’s attorney characterized the charges and an accompanying lawsuit as a retaliation attempt by an employee who was disciplined on multiple occasions at Southern Smoke BBQ & Brewhouse on Main Street.
“Mr. Gardian looks forward to defending against these false claims. There was never any sexual battery. The alleged victim was written up on multiple occasions for misconduct at work. In fact, the allegations only arose after she was given her final warning, with a threat of termination,” said defense attorney David Diamond.
“Now she has hired an attorney and is seeking millions, plural, millions of dollars,” he said, adding most would call this “a shakedown.”
Court records indicate the allegation took place April 24, and the charges were filed June 27 by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. The charges include an allegation that the victim was employed by the suspect.
Gardian is due in court for a preliminary hearing Sept. 20, when the evidence against the defendant will be brought forth, and a judge will decide if there’s enough to merit a trial.
Gardian pleaded not guilty back in June to the misdemeanor charges in penal code section 242, “any willful and unlawful use of force or violence upon the person of another,” and section 243.4(E)(1).
May justice prevail.
I would never take my wife or girlfriend to his restaurant knowing this now……Would you?
It all begins to unravel when you do evil deeds
Karma is a harsh mistress.
What happened with innocent until proven guilty. That’s why I hate this kind of reporting. It is going to potentially ruin person’s life’s work with people like you punishing him without any shred of facts. Can you wait until he is convicted?
I know this guy and he cheats on his girlfriend.
Zohrab Getikian Why don’t you read this. The whole thing
I’ll be expecting an apology after tomorrows verdict
https://www.hometownstation.com/santa-clarita-latest-news/sexual-battery-case-for-santa-clarita-restaurant-owner-nears-verdict-226450
KHTS should be ashamed for carrying this story. I don’t know any one of the people involved in this accusation, but it absolutly appears to be a case of someone trying to use the system to enrich herself at the expense of someone who exposed her inability to perform her job duties. What a low life way to get rich.
I infact know both sides of this story. My Very close friend was the one involved. So don’t underestimate what people can do, man or woman, Sexal Harassment is not a joke..
Take your opinion Elsewhere.
Has there been any update? Having experienced what a horrible person he is, I pray your friend gets justice.
Yes, Absolutely!!! As of this moment, this is merely a story. You are already condemning him before this has even gone to court.
I find it very disturbing that a man’s livelihood is at stake and this so called “victim” is going about her day to day life without a care in the world.
You don’t know that the victim is going about her daily life or any of his other victims for that fact
I knew Sam when he had his auto shop. Not a chance this is true. I’d believe almost anything about him before I’d believe this. Some people say “you never know.” Yeah, you do. He is of good character, and his conduct has always reflected that.
I hope justice is served. He assaulted me as well while I was trying to collect a huge debt for my boss. This guy is a scumbag
This is not the first time I heard about Sam being hostile with somebody or being violent and not paying the money back that he borrowed…. it’s about time his true colors came out and people finally realize how he really is. Thank God!!
I guess he’s just not stealing from contractors or at his Bankrupt auto shop anymore. I figured something like this was going to happen when he physically attacked my AR lady. Being a dirt bag in Awesome town never ends well.
This is not news reporting. KHTS do you realize that you are potentially ruining a person’s life with this before that person is convicted? What happened to innocent until proven guilty?
Why jump on the reporting of the story? No judgement was made. All that was reported was what has occurred. Whether the allegations are true or not, his life has already been negatively affected.
I agree with Zohran this is sensationalism on the part of KHTS come on lets report on the news not on rumors.
I’m very disappointed that KHTS decided to ruin a man’s life and business over a very premature accusation. I agree with Zohrab, what happened to innocent until proven guilty? KHTS, you have already convicted this guy.
The article does express both sides of the story. And I would say it’s a newsworthy story.
I am a victim of Sam’s sexual harassment, shady business practices and his default on a $20,000.00 loan we made to him! Those of you who STILL continue to support him are his next victims!!! Hang in there. One way or another, he will screw you too!
I just wonder why the accusers name is left out of this “news worthy” story. Why protect the one making the accusations yet drag the accused through the mud? These are serious accusations, yet as of the date of this article he hadn’t even gone to court to see if the charges can even stand.
Since you started the story, how about a follow up to tell us what happened in court yesterday. Please report the facts AND BOTH parties names this time.
There’s more than one person and he’s a pervert towards women, do you have any idea how much guts it takes to stand up to someone who taunts you to do something about what he’s doing
Maybe she doesn’t want her name out in the open because she’s Terrified of Sam.. This man is a Pig
What was reported was a matter of public record. The police don’t release the names of victims of crimes without their consent, but arrest records are fair game for any and all reporting. That’s how civil rights work. Unless you’d like the rights to your privacy revoked once somebody perpetrates a crime against you, I’d walk back your logic here.
I agree with Noneya, who is this person making the accusation? Let’s throw her name into the story to make it fair. If Sam is guilty it will all come out. If not then this women needs to be reported in the news as a scumbag and her reputation ruined. Let’s see how KHTS handles the follow up.
Hey KHTS –
What is the name of this whistle blower that is throwing out accusations? Why haven’t you provided a follow up since this is such a “newsworthy” story?
I only looked this story up because I wanted to see what the outcome has been. I was contacted by someone that Sam and I know in common and asked if I was ever harassed by him. What he did to me could actually be considered rape, not mere harassment. An accuser’s name is not always publicized by she has the right NOT to be harassed and threatened by friends or family of the accused. I did not come forward because I am terrified of Sam. If you have never seen his mean streak, consider yourself blessed. I wish I knew what the outcome was.
Do you want to talk about it?
I believe every accusation made against Sam. He is a master manipulator. Thinks the rules don’t apply to him and he can do whatever he wants to anyone without any ramifications. If I had known about this case sooner I would have enjoyed sitting in the courtroom watching him squirm like the weasel he is. This is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to how dirty he is. The OCD and Asperger his attorney claims he has is total BS! He will do or say whatever he needs to. The man has no soul.