The owner of a Morgan Hill Christian book store who once emphatically denied accusations that he inappropriately touched a female employee will spend six months in jail.
Richard Dresser, 55, of Morgan Hill, pleaded no contest as charged to two counts of sexual battery and three counts of engaging in lewd conduct in a public place, Santa Clara County District Attorney's office spokesperson Nick Muyo said. He was sentenced Tuesday to six months in Santa Clara County jail, plus three years of probation. Dresser, the owner of Eternal Treasures book store at 433 Vineyard Town Center, will also have to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life,
All of the charges are misdemeanors.
Dresser was arrested May 16 at his store following an investigation by Morgan Hill police. The victim, a 23-year-old female who worked at Eternal Treasures, reported an incident in which Dresser inappropriately touched her at the store.
Dresser initially pleaded not guilty to the charges, but changed his plea to no contest in September, Muyo said. His plea and sentence were not part of a deal with prosecutors.
In the weeks following his arrest, Dresser vehemently and emotionally denied the charges against him, vowing to fight the charges until his name was cleared.
Contacted by telephone Wednesday, Dresser was working at his store and said he will report to jail next week. He declined to comment on his plea and the sentence.
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