LOGAN — A 29-year-old Beaverton, Oregon man has been arraigned on charges of sexually harassing a woman for several years with two other men, according to law enforcement. The incidents reportedly occurred at a Logan restaurant where the four were employed.
According to court records, Kumar Akshat made an initial appearance June 9 in Logan’s 1st District Court. He was charged with four counts of forcible sexual abuse, a second-degree felony; distribution of pornography by an adult, a third-degree felony; and sexual solicitation, a class A misdemeanor.
Law enforcement began investigating the three suspects, Akshat, Sawal Sawal, 19, and Santosh Tiwary, 41, in August 2024, when the alleged victim reported years of being sexually assaulted and verbally berated. Most of the incidents occurred in the kitchen area of the restaurant outside the view of customers, according to arrest affidavits.
The woman told police how the three men allegedly would often touch her buttocks or squeeze her breasts while she would be cleaning or doing dishes. At other times, they made unwanted sexual advances, attempting to kiss her, or talk and joke about her body.
The alleged victim said she was afraid to report the abuse because even though she is in the country legally on a work visa, she feared that if she did not work at the restaurant, then she would be deported. The incidents reportedly occurred over two years until she was able to find a new job, according to court paperwork.
The woman provided police officers with several videos of some of the alleged incidents. She also claimed to have reported the abuse to her boss, who never intervened to stop the behavior.
During last week’s court appearance, Akshat was ordered to have no contact with the alleged victim. He is scheduled to appear again in court July 14, to decide whether or not to request a preliminary hearing, where a judge would determine whether there is sufficient evidence in the case.
Sawal was arraigned May 5 in Logan’s 1st District Court. He is due in court again July 14 for a preliminary hearing.
Law enforcement believe Tiwary left the area to visit his home country for an extended stay. A judge has issued a warrant for his arrest.
Individuals arrested and charged in complaints are presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.