A 21-year-old Ceres man was arrested for armed robbery, assault with a deadly weapon, criminal threats, burglary, and sexual battery related to a Friday morning incident.

Jaime Mariscal, 21, of Ceres is accused of robbing and sexually assaulting a female employee of Bontanica Yemaya at1520 E. Hatch Road. The assault was reported at 10:45 a.m.

The woman said she exited the rear door of the store and walked to the dumpster where Mariscal was sitting in a parked black sedan. Mariscal asked if he could enter the restroom and she agreed. She said she was pushed inside where he groped her breast and placed a knife against her neck. Victim attempted to move the knife and was cut on her right hand. After Mariscal allegedly demanded money from her she gave him $100. He demanded more and threatened to kill her and her family, she told police. 

The victim was able to escape and grabbed another employee who was seated at the counter watching a soap opera on a tablet.  They exited the store via the front doors and called the police.

Police found a knife and $100 bill on Mariscal. He said he did meet the woman at the dumpster but claimed the victim invited him to the store where she made a sexual pass at him. He claimed she gave him $100 for sexual acts in the restroom and denied trying to stab her. He then refused to speak further to police.