PALO ALTO — A supervisor for a janitorial services company is facing charges he sexually abused a subordinate while the two were working at the Palo Alto VA Medical Center, federal authorities said.
On Friday, Onofre Salas-Lozano, 40, of Palo Alto, pleaded not guilty to charges of aggravated sexual abuse, sexual abuse and making a false statement to a government agency.
Salas-Lozano and the victim both worked for a janitorial services company that cleans the Palo Alto VA Medical Center, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said in a statement.
According to an indictment, Salas-Lozano allegedly forced the victim to engage in a sex act at the hospital on July 2, 2021. He was the victim’s direct supervisor at the time.
Salas-Lozano is also accused of lying about the alleged sexual abuse during an interview with a VA Office of Inspector General special agent, according to the indictment.
The aggravated sexual abuse and sexual abuse charges each carry a maximum penalty of life in prison. If convicted of making a false statement, Salas-Lozano faces up to eight years in prison.
Salas-Lozano is scheduled to return to court for a detention hearing on May 3. He was ordered detained until then.
Source: www.mercurynews.com