Attorney General Matthew Platkin wants to suspend the liquor license for Gerald Araya’s bars in Trenton

Gerald Araya, owner of Dubai Restaurant and Lounge, El Catador Lounge, Mill Hill Saloon and Trenton Social, was charged with sexual assault on Wednesday. (Composite image, mug shot courtesy of Mercer County District Attorney’s Office, photos of building facade screenshot from Google Maps)

TRENTON – Four popular bars in the capital city may soon be closed indefinitely after criminal charges have been filed against their owner.

New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin announced Monday that the Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) is seeking to suspend the licenses of Mill Hill Restaurant and Lounge, El Catador Lounge and Restaurant, Dubai Restaurant and Lounge and Trenton Social.

All four establishments are licensed to Gerald Araya of Ewing, who was charged with sexual assault and kidnapping in June.

“We have a duty to ensure that licensed establishments are not used to facilitate crime and to protect against activities in the alcohol industry that endanger public health, safety or welfare,” said Attorney General Platkin. “The criminal conduct alleged by the licensee directly affects the restaurants and bars where he has been granted the privilege of serving alcoholic beverages. Today’s action seeks to revoke those licenses to prevent further harm or victimization in those locations.”

Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo Onofri said at the time of the arrest that a joint investigation with Trenton police, Lawrence Township police and the county resulted in an arrest on five counts of first-degree aggravated sexual assault, one count of first-degree sexual assault, two counts of second-degree sexual assault, one count of first-degree child abduction, two counts of fourth-degree criminal sexual contact and one count of third-degree endangering the welfare of a child.

The first victim contacted police when she said she applied for a job at one of Araya’s bars and was plied with drinks until she passed out. She told investigators she woke up in a Lawrence Township hotel room and found herself sexually assaulted by Araya.

During a joint investigation with MCPO SVU, Trenton Police and Lawrence Township Police, officers identified three additional victims.

The ABC statement said: “Because these four licensed premises were used to promote or facilitate the alleged criminal activities, their immediate closure is necessary to protect public health, safety and welfare.”

The bar operators will have the opportunity to respond to the order to show cause (OTSC) at an upcoming hearing and explain why they should remain open pending Araya’s criminal trial.

Defence lawyer Robin Lord turned to The Trentonian after the story came to light in June that called into question the prosecutor’s statements on the case.

“Mr. Araya is presumed innocent and in this particular case he is indeed innocent,” Lord said by email. “The allegations against him are completely false. The credibility of the alleged victims’ story will be revealed at the upcoming detention hearing.”