Pizza shop owner accused of sexually assaulting waitresses cleared of almost all charges

After three days of testimony, a jury of nine women and three men found Cesare Tiano not guilty on all but one count: harassment.

He was sentenced Thursday to one year of probation.

"For the most part he was vindicated today," said his attorney, Casey White, adding that the jury got it right in the case of Tiano, a North Huntingdon pizza shop owner.

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Tiano had been charged with indecent assault and harassment after seven former female employees, including a teenager, came forward with accusations.

"My client forgives these women,” White said.

Police said the accusations took place in Grande’s, Tiano's pizza shop.

The women testified Tiano hugged them, grabbed them and moaned, licked or whispered in their ears, and even solicited oral sex.

However, according to WPXI news partner TribLIVE, Tiano told jurors he behaved in a manner consistent with his italian upbringing, in which hugs and kisses were common practice.

"We were concerned quite frankly,” White said. “Thankfully, the jury decided the verdict based on the facts and the facts only."

The jury came back with a not guilty verdict except on a harassment charge stemming from one employee, which White said is a misdemeanor.

"He's glad the jury sided with him and believed him," White said. "He just wants to move forward. Go back to his restaurant and serve the public."

Tiano, who was surrounded by his family, was sentenced to one year of probation.

Tiano's accusers were visibly shaken after the verdict and denied Channel 11’s request for an interview.

Cox Media Group