Court: Salon Owner Sentenced

Grosse Pointe Woods Judge Theodore Metry sentenced a 44-year-old man this week to complete workplace/sexual harassment sensitivity training for inappropriately touching an employee. 

Anton Gjonaj pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor count of assault and battery under an agreement dismissing the original felony offense of criminal sexual conduct fourth degree.

"I find your conduct bordering on reprehensible," Metry said. "It's certainly behavior that's against the law."

His attorney told the judge she felt his actions were an isolated incident and that Gjonaj is embarrassed about all of it. She told the judge he is a married man with children who simply wants to finish this matter and move on.

Gjonaj is the owner of . He was charged after an employee reported to police that he grabbed her breasts, squeezed them and then asked if he could do it again, explaining it excited him. She left the room where they were originally discussing sample and he followed, apologizing. He also asked her to rate how creepy the experience was for her and asked her to keep it to herself, according to police. The crime happened March 30. 

The victim was present for the sentencing. She wrote a letter and the prosecutor read it to the judge. The letter described how much trust was broken as a result of Gjonaj's actions. 

Metry sentenced Gjonaj to complete the class, serve 10 hours of community service, pay $500 plus fines and costs and to have no contact with the victim. Metry emphasized that no contact means by any means, electronic, written, in person or through a third party.