A Napa man is facing criminal charges after allegedly touching children with his bare feet at a San Rafael movie theater, authorities said.
An initial incident was reported in May during a screening of “Sonic the Hedgehog 2” at the Century Northgate in Terra Linda. Police advised theater workers to call them immediately if the suspect ever came back.
On Oct. 14, a theater worker recognized the man and notified police. Officers found Thomas Dean Erickson, 65, sitting behind a child “with one shoe off and his bare foot exposed,” said police Lt. Scott Eberle.
The child and a parent told police that Erickson had been “touching the minor in an inappropriate manner with his bare foot,” Eberle said.
When the officers took Erickson outside they found he had bought tickets to three showings of the same movie, “Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile.”
Police booked Erickson on suspicion of annoying or molesting a child, a misdemeanor, and followed up with the family of the May incident. On Wednesday, the Marin County District Attorney’s Office filed misdemeanor molestation and sexual battery charges in both incidents.
“We hope that these victims and their families get the help they need to navigate their way through this horrible event,” Eberle said.
Families of other potential victims can call Detective Justin Dodson at 415-485-3430.
Erickson is scheduled for arraignment on Nov. 1. He declined to comment when reached by phone.
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