Ida Ann Lorenzo, a former Utah state employee, has recently accepted a plea deal after a viral incident at a steakhouse where she yanked down a teen girl’s skirt. The 49-year-old pleaded “no contest” to a misdemeanor count of sexual battery, admitting that she knowingly and intentionally touched the buttocks of another person in a way that would cause affront or alarm. As part of the agreement, her plea will be held in abeyance for a year, pending completion of a mental health evaluation and no contact with the victim.
The incident, which took place at Sakura Japanese Steakhouse, was captured on video and went viral on TikTok, garnering over one million views. Following the backlash online, Lorenzo contacted the police, expressing that she felt a threat on her life after being accused of sexually harassing the teen. She was subsequently arrested and released on bail after posting bail.
In bodycam footage from the police station, Lorenzo admitted to tugging on the teen’s skirt but claimed her hands never touched her skin. The officer reminded her that it was not her job to take matters into her own hands and that she should have called the police instead. The victim reported feeling Lorenzo’s “cold hands against her skin,” leading to Lorenzo’s arrest.
Witnesses at the steakhouse also filed police reports about the incident, further corroborating the victim’s account. Lorenzo’s employment with the Utah Attorney General’s Office was terminated following the incident and subsequent criminal charges.
The plea deal allows for the dismissal of the case against Lorenzo if she complies with the terms set forth, including no further legal infractions and completion of a mental health evaluation. The victim, a 19-year-old girl, reported feeling sexually assaulted while in the lobby of the restaurant, leading to Lorenzo’s arrest and subsequent legal proceedings.
The case has sparked conversations about appropriate conduct in public spaces and the importance of respecting personal boundaries. It serves as a reminder that actions have consequences and that individuals must be held accountable for their behavior. The viral nature of the incident highlights the power of social media in bringing attention to important issues and promoting accountability.
