A vendor at Quakertown Farmers’ Market has been accused of preying on teenage employees, including offering one girl money and marijuana to perform a sex act, and Bucks County law enforcement is seeking additional possible victims of the shop owner.
Poppy’s Peanuts owner Joseph Michael Grossman, 36, was charged with three felonies and two misdemeanors by Richland Township Police after an investigation that began in June 2025, Bucks County District Attorney Jennifer Schorn said. He is awaiting arraignment in Bucks County Common Pleas Court and is free on 10% of $250,000 cash bail.
According to police, a 17-year-old girl told investigators that while she worked for Grossman, he would frequently make inappropriate comments and touch her legs and back. After she quit, Grossman allegedly continued to contact her on social media.
She told police that on one occasion, he asked her to meet him at the store after hours, where he offered her money and marijuana to perform a sexual act, police said.
Following news of Grossman's arrest, a second victim came forward with similar allegations. She told police that while she worked for Grossman, he would regularly make vulgar sexual comments and grab her hips, back, and shoulders, authorities said.
While she did not report being offered money for a sexual act, she did say that Grossman gave her drugs.
Grossman was arrested on Aug. 15 and charged with promoting the prostitution of a minor and two counts of corruption of minors, all felonies.
When the second victim came forward, he was charged with additional counts of corruption of minors, both misdemeanors, police said.
Given the similar accounts from two victims, investigators believe there may be other victims.
Contact Richland Township Police Detective Matthew Lawhead at 215-536-9500 if you or someone you know has had a similar experience with Grossman. Callers can remain anonymous.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Jessica Frost. Grossman has retained Bensalem attorney Michael Applebaum. County formal arraignment is set for Oct. 17, with a pre-trial hearing scheduled for Nov. 24, according to court records.
All suspects and defendants are innocent until proven guilty. This story was compiled using public court records.
