Seal Beach

Popular Seal Beach Chef Accused of Raping Woman After Spiking Her Drink

The victim told police Darryl Lee Matanane served her a drink and then she woke up in an unfamiliar apartment and was raped.

A popular chef has been arrested for allegedly serving a woman a spiked alcoholic drink at an area restaurant and raping her at an apartment in Seal Beach.

Police arrested 55-year-old Darryl Lee Matanane of Seal Beach on Sunday, said Seal Beach police Sgt. Michael Henderson. Matanane works as a chef at Bistro St. Germain, which locals refer to as a wine bar.

The victim reported to police that she went to the restaurant where Matanane served her a glass of wine. She awoke Tuesday evening in an unfamiliar apartment and was sexually assaulted, Henderson said.

"The victim does not remember how she got into the apartment," he said.

Police have not yet confirmed that the glass of wine served to the woman was spiked. "We don't know if there was something in the wine," Henderson said. "We're waiting on toxicology results and that will be important for the prosecution."

The owner of Bistro St. Germain issued a statement saying the restaurant's management is shocked and saddened by the allegations against Matanane and that he has been suspended pending the outcome of the police investigation.

Seal Beach police detectives asked anyone with any information about any other possible victims to call them at (562) 799-4100, ext. 1109.

Copyright CNS - City News Service
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