Bob Kasarda

CEDAR LAKE — The owner of a local smoke shop allegedly dragged a female employee by her hair and the proceeded to further physically and sexually abuse her at the store, according to criminal charges.

Habeeb Habeeb, of Schererville, is charged with one felony count of criminal confinement and two of sexual battery, records show.

Cedar Lake police say they were notified Thursday of the alleged assault at the Cedar Lake Tobacco, Vape and Cig store in the 13100 block of Wicker Avenue.

The employee reportedly told police Habeeb was upset about her stocking a new vape when he grabbed her hair, pulled her into the office, slammed her face on the desk, partially disrobed her and repeatedly struck her while making her count the blows. He then took a photo of her and she continued h

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