Local business owner accused of trying to rape woman during job interview

HOLLY HILL, Fla. — The owner of a Volusia County tree trimming business is accused of attempting to rape a woman during a job interview earlier this month.

Holly Hill police said Justin Grosso, 42, was arrested Friday on charges of attempted sexual battery, battery and tampering with a witness.

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Investigators said the woman met with Grosso, the owner of JNG Tree Service, at his office for a job interview on Nov. 5. The woman told officers she’d known Grosso for about four months before the interview.

According to a charging affidavit, the woman told police that after discussing the position, Grosso began touching her inappropriately against her will.

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According the affidavit, the woman said she believed that Grosso was trying to have forcible sex with her and that she feared for her safety. She told police she was able to distract Grosso and call her boyfriend to get away.

After the woman reported the incident to police, officers said Grosso offered the woman $1,000 to drop the criminal complaint.

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Officers said they arrested Grosso after several controlled calls between him and the woman arranging a time to meet up to exchange the money.

Stay tuned to Channel 9 Eyewitness News for updates.