Cedarburg restaurant owner accused of putting drugs in female patron's drinks & sexually assaulting them



CEDARBURG (WITI) -- A Cedarburg restaurant owner is being investigated -- accused of putting drugs in female patron's drinks, sexually assaulting them and capturing the aftermath on camera. FOX6 News has discovered this isn't the first time this man has been in trouble with the law.

According to search warrants, investigators raided 34-year-old Jacob Banas' home and restaurant. What they were looking for has sent shockwaves through Cedarburg.

Jacob Banas



As patrons walked past a closed "August Weber Haus" on Wednesday, July 23rd, it wasn't the menu that had everyone talking.

"I`m very shocked and concerned.  I`m scared that something like that could happen in an area like this," a Cedarburg resident said.

Investigators say the restaurant's owner, Jacob Banas allegedly drugged women's drinks, sexually assaulted them and took nude photos of them.

"It`s sad and unfortunate," Jill Klug said.

Klug has a bird's eye view of Banas' restaurant from across the street. Last week, she saw nearly 20 law enforcement officials swarm the building.

"Lots of investigators - people coming.  First, the camera," Klug said.

According to search warrants, federal, state and local officials came looking for drugs, illegally obtained images of women and computers. Investigators also searched Banas' home.

No one answered when FOX6 News stopped by Banas' home.

"We were a very busy salon that morning. The clients said, `Wow this is just like watching TV!'" Klug said.

In 2002, FOX6 News investigated as Banas was charged with running an online prostitution scam. In 2008, Banas again became the target of law enforcement. After Banas offered them drinks, one woman claims she received a photo of herself without her pants on -- with a text from Banas that read: "Round 2?"

"My heart breaks for everybody involved," Klug said.

The Ozaukee County District Attorney says Banas was never charged in the 2008 incident, and stresses no charges have been filed against him following the raid on his restaurant.

Evidence needs to be processed by the state's Crime Lab before that can even be a possibility.