The owner of Basta Pasta restaurants in Fallston and Timonium is accused of sexually harassing employees, including teenagers, according to a lawsuit filed Wednesday by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

The EEOC suit, filed in U.S. District Court in Baltimore, alleges that owner Michael Sakellis, repeatedly would inappropriately touch or would make sexual comments toward female employees, some of whom were teenagers.

One female employee said she was given alcohol, which she believed was drugged in an attempt to sexually assault her, the suit says. Another female employee said she went to Sakellis' home to discuss management opportunities but said she believes she was drugged and sexually assaulted, according to the suit. Both women quit their jobs. The suit did not name the women.

A third female employee said she was fired after she spoke up about the harassment, the suit said.

Neither Sakellis, nor his attorney, returned messages for comment Wednesday afternoon.

jkanderson@baltsun.com

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