GREENEVILLE, Tenn. (WJHL) — A man faces charges of sexual battery after allegedly grabbing a woman’s breast outside a Greeneville restaurant on Sunday.
The Greeneville Police Department (GPD) reported that officers were summoned on Sunday evening to the parking area of a restaurant located on East Andrew Johnson Highway.
A woman informed police that she encountered the suspect, later identified as Richard Rothe, inside the restaurant while she was there to pick up a DoorDash order. Rothe was reportedly there for the same reason, and they engaged in light conversation while waiting.
According to the victim, Rothe followed her to her vehicle, continued chatting, and then requested a hug. The woman stated she agreed but kept the open car door as a barrier between them.
Rothe is accused of grabbing the woman’s breast after the hug, leading her to pull away. She said she departed the scene in her vehicle, sought support from a friend, and immediately contacted the authorities.
The woman described Rothe to the police as an older man wearing a blue veterans’ hat. She also provided details about his vehicle and recalled hearing that the name associated with his restaurant order was Richard.
The restaurant was able to confirm Rothe’s identity.
According to the GPD, Rothe arrived at the police station on Tuesday. He reportedly admitted in an interview to intentionally touching the woman’s breast. Rothe was charged with sexual battery (forcible fondling).
Rothe was transported to the Greene County Detention Center and placed on a $25,000 bond. His arraignment in court is set for Friday.
