At a Glance
- Richard Brooks, 33, charged with grooming teens and drug distribution at Saladworks and Wendy’s.
- 10 victims aged 15-17 received alcohol, marijuana cartridges, cigarettes, and Adderall from Brooks.
- Bail denied; next arraignment set for Jan 12, 2026.
- Why it matters: The case exposes abuse of managerial authority and the legal response to sexual misconduct involving minors.
A former manager at a Saladworks location in Plumstead Township has been charged with grooming teen employees and providing them with alcohol and drugs. Authorities say the alleged misconduct extended to a nearby Wendy’s and included the distribution of prescription medication. The case underscores the dangers of unchecked power in food-service workplaces.
Investigation Overview
The probe began on April 1, 2025 after a ChildLine report identified a manager at the Saladworks in the Crosskeys Shopping Center. Investigators later confirmed the manager was Richard Brooks, who had also served as manager at a Wendy’s in Doylestown between 2020 and 2022.
Victims received:
- Alcohol
- Medical marijuana cartridges
- Nicotine cigarettes
- Prescribed Adderall
All 10 victims were between 15 and 17 years old when they received these substances, according to Plumstead Township Police Detective Kevin Larkin.
Legal Proceedings
A warrant was issued on Dec 11, 2025, and Brooks was taken into custody. He was arraigned on Dec 24, 2025, but could not post 10% of the $100,000 bail and was remanded to Bucks County Prison. His next arraignment is scheduled for Jan 12, 2026.
Court records show no attorney listed for Brooks, and resources for victims include the National Sexual Violence Resources Center and the National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline at 800-656-4673.
Key Takeaways
- Richard Brooks faces charges of corruption of minors, indecent assault, and drug distribution.
- 10 underage employees were supplied with alcohol, marijuana, cigarettes, and Adderall.
- Bail denied; arraignment set for Jan 12, 2026.
The case highlights the need for vigilant oversight in workplaces that employ minors and the importance of legal accountability when abuse of power occurs.
