A 43-year-old Mahopac man is facing misdemeanor and felony charges in connection with the alleged rape of an 18-year-old, police say.
Members of the Carmel Police Department arrested Lani Zaimi—who also goes by Ariano—Friday morning (Aug. 9) in connection with a rape that took place in Mahopac late last month, officials said in a statement Friday afternoon.
"After members of the Carmel Police Detective Division and the Putnam County District Attorney’s Office conducted a comprehensive investigation it is alleged that Mr. Zaimi, who is the owner of several local restaurants, served alcohol to the underage female employee at one of his places of business (Ariano’s II), transported the woman to another of his restaurants and sexually assaulted her," authorities said.
Ariano's II is located on Gleneida Avenue in Carmel. Ariano's Trattoria is located on Clark Place in Mahopac.
Following an indictment by a Putnam County Grand Jury, Zaimi was charged with third-degree criminal sexual act and third-degree rape, felonies. He's also facing a misdemeanor charge of unlawfully dealing with a child in the first degree.
Zaimi was arraigned before Putnam County Court Judge James Rooney and sent to the Putnam County Correctional Facility on $25,000 cash or $50,000 bond bail. He'll be due in court at a later date.
Officials ask individuals with information regarding any other potential incidents or the circumstances surrounding the alleged rape contact the Putnam County District Attorney’s Office at 845-808-1059 or 845-808-1058. First Assistant ADA Chana Krauss is the contact.
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Zaimi pleaded guilty to third-degree sexual misconduct in 2010, according to this report on LoHud.com.
Ariano's opened in 2000. The building sustained damage during a recent fire. Ariano's II opened in 2011, according to the restaurant website. Staff members wear polos that have the words "Don't Panic" written on the back.Here's a blurb from the website, which states that Ariano was raised in Northern Italy:
Many years ago when Ariano was a waiter in Morris Park he was known for being the waiter that everyone requested. Ariano only spoke Italian therefore he only catered to the Italian-speaking customers. A lovely Irish couple noticed his charm and love of his profession and requested him as their waiter. Although they were informed Ariano spoke no English the couple didn’t care and insisted. Throughout the evening Ariano spoiled them with his charm, food and wine. Later that evening the man requested a spoon for his wife, but Ariano did not understand. After much frustration back and forth the man finally complained to the owner who reminded him Ariano spoke no English. The owner explained to Ariano what the man wanted. As Ariano approached the man at the table he handed him a spoon and said, “Don’t panic”! That became his nickname and catch phrase from then on.
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