A concerning case has emerged in Gary, where a fast food manager is facing felony accusations following an alleged inappropriate incident with a newly-hired teenage employee. The young worker, who does not speak English, claims that Adnan Bani Hani, the 37-year-old manager of Sharks Fish and Chicken, subjected her to distressing behavior during her first day on the job. Authorities have charged Bani Hani with sexual battery and criminal confinement, although he remains at large.
According to police records, the incident unfolded on March 30 when the teenager visited the restaurant with her mother to collect an Uber Eats order. During this visit, Bani Hani reportedly offered her a job position immediately. Her mother left shortly afterward, leaving the girl alone in the establishment. Communication between them was challenging due to the language barrier, leading them to rely on phone translation apps. However, as the situation progressed, the girl became increasingly uneasy when Bani Hani allegedly made inappropriate sexual advances toward her, which she refused.
Concerned about her safety, the girl attempted to contact her mother but refrained from using her phone for fear that Bani Hani might use it to communicate himself. Instead, her mother reached out via text messages, prompting the girl to request immediate pickup. Before her family arrived, the manager allegedly led her to a storage area, where inappropriate physical contact occurred. The encounter was interrupted by the arrival of the girl's stepfather, signaling the end of the ordeal.
Subsequent actions by the victim and her family led to law enforcement involvement. A detailed investigation ensued, including obtaining a search warrant for Bani Hani’s phone. Detectives noted his apparent nervousness during questioning. Despite denying any wrongdoing, Bani Hani repeatedly inquired about the victim’s age before eventually requesting legal counsel. Security footage corroborated parts of the incident, showing interactions between the two in both an office setting and the locked storage room.
Following these events, authorities have taken appropriate measures to ensure justice is served. This case underscores the importance of workplace safety protocols and highlights the vulnerability of individuals with communication barriers. As legal proceedings continue, the community awaits further developments regarding this disturbing matter.