Thomas Jerry Patton

An East Ridge man has been arrested and charged with sexual battery at a Bi-Lo supermarket.

Thomas Patton, 72, is accused of inappropriately grabbing an employee at the Bi-Lo supermarket on 6723 Ringgold Road on Aug. 6, according to a police affidavit.

The employee stated that Patton came around the counter, grabbed her left butt cheek and asked "how much it would take for her to stay with him while his wife was out of town," according to the affidavit. The incident was caught on the store's camera.

The employee said Patton has previously made comments to her such as "what would you do if I sat you on my lap and kissed your neck," and has put his arms around her and kissed her neck.

Patton was booked into the Hamilton County Jail on Monday, but has been released.