By Khalida Sarwari
Police arrested a San Jose restaurant owner and two employees last week and are seeking two others on charges stemming from alcohol and drug violations.
Tina Nguyen, 46, owner of Nha Em Restaurant and Bar, was arrested on June 18 along with Han Nguyen, a 44-year-old manager, and Christina Lee, a 21-year-old waitress.
Arrest warrants have been issued for 37-year-old Trang Nguyen and 19-year-old Linda Tran on similar charges.
The arrests followed an investigation that began in April after police received numerous calls from residents complaining about alcohol violations at the restaurant, Sgt. Ronnie Lopez said.
The charges for Tina Nguyen include employing a person for the purpose of procuring or encouraging the purchase of alcohol; employing or knowingly permitting people to loiter in or about the premises for the purpose of begging or soliciting any patron to purchase any alcoholic beverages for the one begging or soliciting; and permitting a person under the age of 21 to consume any alcoholic beverage on the premises.
Han Nguyen’s charges include possession of a controlled substance; employing or knowingly permitting people to loiter in or about said premises for the purpose of begging or soliciting any patron to purchase any alcoholic beverages for the one begging or soliciting.
Lee is charged with possession for sales of a controlled substance and transportation for sales of a controlled substance.
The controlled substances were possibly methamphetamine or Ecstasy, Lopez said.
The California Department of Alcohol Beverage Control and Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office assisted in the investigation.
Police are continuing to investigate the case and ask anyone with information to contact the special investigations and vice unit at (408) 277-4322. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous can contact the Crime Stoppers tip line at (408) 947-STOP (7867).