Former Manager of Saladworks, Wendy's Accused of Groping, Grooming Teen Employees
The headline “Former Manager of Saladworks, Wendy’s Accused of Groping” reports serious allegations from Bucks County. The former manager is now facing more than 50 felony charges for allegedly grooming and touching underage employees and giving some of them alcohol, prescription drugs, and marijuana over several years. The case is moving through Pennsylvania courts and raises big questions about how teens are supervised at work and how companies protect young employees.
This is not an easy story to read. When teenagers are involved, and adults in charge are accused of abusing their power, it hits hard. At EOL.Law, we follow cases like this because they show what can go wrong when managers misuse authority. Even as the case moves through court, the details reported so far are disturbing, and families, employees, and employers are paying attention.
Allegations Against Richard "Ricky" Brooks
Richard “Ricky” Brooks, 33, of Freehold, New Jersey, is accused of grooming and groping underage employees while he worked as a manager at Saladworks and Wendy’s in Bucks County.
Police say the investigation started on April 1, 2025, after a ChildLine report flagged predatory behavior toward a teenage boy at the Plumstead Township Saladworks. Brooks was arrested following that investigation.
What started as a single report eventually grew into a wider investigation. Authorities interviewed multiple alleged victims and say the behavior went on over several years, affecting several teens who worked at both the Saladworks and Wendy’s locations.
A Pattern Allegedly Spanning Multiple Years and Locations
Police say the alleged behavior took place between 2020 and 2024 while Richard Brooks was managing restaurants and interacting with teenage employees. Investigators spoke with at least 10 underage victims, though some reports suggest the number of current and former employees interviewed was closer to a dozen.
The allegations don’t stop at a single restaurant. Authorities say Brooks acted in similar ways at both:
- The Saladworks in Plumstead Township
- The Wendy’s in Doylestown
Investigators also say some of the alleged incidents happened outside of work, including at Brooks’ apartment at the Fonthill Apartments.
Most of the alleged victims were between 15 and 17 years old at the time.
Claims of Grooming and Inappropriate Contact
Investigators say Brooks used his role as a manager to get close to teenage employees and gain their trust before crossing the line. One former worker told police that Brooks groomed him while they were at Saladworks.
At the Wendy’s location, another man, now an adult, said Brooks grabbed him in the bathroom when he was about 16. Brooks was the general manager there at the time.
Authorities see these incidents as part of a larger pattern, showing how Brooks may have taken advantage of his position and the trust of young workers.
Richard "Ricky" Brooks Accused of Drugs and Alcohol
Along with the claims of grooming and inappropriate contact, police say Brooks gave underage employees alcohol and drugs over several years. Multiple reports point to this as a key part of the case.
Authorities say the teens were allegedly given:
- Alcohol
- Medical marijuana cartridges
- Nicotine cigarettes
- Adderall, which Brooks was reportedly prescribed
Some of the alleged victims told investigators that their first experience with alcohol or drugs came from Brooks. One teen said Brooks bought him alcohol several times a week during the summer of 2024.
Police also say some of the alcohol and drugs were used at work and at Brooks’ apartment.
Messages and Alleged Admissions
During the investigation, police looked at messages between Brooks and at least one of the alleged victims. In those messages, Brooks reportedly apologized for “being a bad person” and admitted to giving alcohol to underage employees.
In another message, he described himself as the “go-to guy” for anyone wanting alcohol or other substances.
Brooks has denied giving drugs or alcohol to minors. He told investigators that he had his own struggles with substance use at the time and said he didn’t understand why employees were making these claims against him.
Charges and Legal Status
Brooks was arrested in December 2025 and faces a number of serious charges, including corruption of minors, indecent assault, and drug-related offenses. Court records show he’s dealing with more than 50 felony counts tied to these allegations.
After his arraignment, Brooks was sent to the Bucks County Correctional Facility because he couldn’t post 10 percent of his $100,000 bail. He’s still in jail today.
A preliminary hearing was set for January 12. The latest updates show he hasn’t listed an attorney on the court docket.
Why So Many Are Following This Case
Cases where minors are allegedly abused always get people’s attention, but this one stands out for a few reasons:
- The alleged behavior went on for several years
- It happened at more than one workplace
- The person accused was in a position of authority over teenage employees
- The claims include both inappropriate contact and giving teens alcohol and drugs
For parents of teens working their first jobs, this case raises real questions about how young employees are supervised and protected. For employers, it’s a reminder of how important it is to have clear rules, proper training, and strong oversight whenever minors are on the job.
Workplace Power and Vulnerability
A teenager’s first job is a vulnerable position. A manager controls their schedule, their tasks, and their future at work. It’s a relationship built on trust. When that trust is exploited, the damage lasts far longer than a single shift.
The alleged victims told investigators the experience still affects them, saying they only later recognized the behavior as abuse. That’s common in grooming cases, especially when the behavior happens little by little, under the guise of trust or guidance.
Why EOL.Law Is Following This Story
At EOL.Law, we follow cases like this because they show how quickly a workplace can become unsafe when rules are ignored or warning signs are missed. Even though the case is going through the courts, the bigger issues go beyond one person or one set of charges.
Any workplace that hires minors has a responsibility to keep them safe. When allegations like these come up, families, employees, and employers need to pay attention. We stick to the facts, respect the legal process, and take the allegations seriously.
Saladworks, Wendy's Accused of Groping: Updates on the Richard Brooks Case
The case against Brooks is still moving through the courts, and more details could come out as hearings continue. At EOL.Law, we’re keeping a close eye on it. Stories like this show why it’s so important to watch out for teens at work and make sure they’re protected.
If you have questions about workplace safety or need guidance, you can reach out to us anytime. We’re ready to help.
