Three women reported encounters over two weekends in March 2025 at a Dollar Tree store on Clairemont Mesa Boulevard in San Diego, where a man allegedly wiped or ejaculated semen on their clothing and hair while they shopped, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune and the New York Post. The incidents have led to criminal charges against a U.S. Marine and a civil lawsuit filed in San Diego Superior Court against the discount retail chain.
Criminal Charges Against Locally Based U.S. Marine
A 22-year-old locally based U.S. Marine faces misdemeanor lewd conduct and misdemeanor sexual battery charges in connection with the three San Diego incidents, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune. Each victim told police that a man moved very close behind them in the store aisles before they discovered an unfamiliar substance on their garments or hair.
Defense attorney Isaac Blumberg, representing the Marine, told the San Diego Union-Tribune that his client maintains his innocence and cautioned that the allegations have not yet been tested in court. “It’s worth remembering the record at this point consists entirely of one side’s allegations, none of which have been tested in court,” Blumberg said.
Lawsuit Against Dollar Tree and Store Security Concerns
In addition to the criminal prosecution, one of the affected women filed a lawsuit against Dollar Tree in San Diego Superior Court, as reported by the New York Post. Attorney Alreen Haeggquist, representing the plaintiff, stated that her client is “not doing well, because she’s now just scared to just go to the market, just scared to go shopping by herself, and nobody should have to have that fear.”
According to court filings, when the plaintiff requested surveillance footage following her encounter, a store manager informed her that the security camera covering that specific aisle was not working. Attorney Clemency Condry noted that similar incidents have surfaced online, creating a troubling digital culture surrounding the behavior. Court affidavits indicated that videos documenting comparable encounters have circulated on pornography websites, alongside mentions on alternative digital platforms.
Nationwide Scope and Corporate Response
Legal counsel involved in the litigation indicate that at least 11 women nationwide—including the three victims in San Diego—have reported similar encounters inside Dollar Tree locations. Dollar Tree has formally denied all allegations made in the San Diego Superior Court lawsuit.
In a public statement provided to news outlets, a Dollar Tree spokesperson said, “The safety and security of our associates and customers are our highest priorities. We take reports of inappropriate, unlawful, or harassing behavior in our stores extremely seriously.” The company added, “Any incident of this nature is unacceptable, and when we become aware of criminal activity, we cooperate fully with law enforcement and support their investigations.”
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