Image sources: The alleged perp, Sebastian Rios-Vidales, courtesy of the Prince William Police Department. AutoZone, located at 13720 Foulger Square, Woodbridge, VA 22192, © Google, via Google Maps.
Prince William Police have arrested a Virginia AutoZone supervisor, Sebastian Rios-Vidales, on multiple child sexual abuse charges involving two minor employees. The alleged abuse occurred at the workplace, raising serious concerns about employer responsibility and the protection of minors.
Allegations Involving Sebastian Rios-Vidales
The Prince William Police Department announced that detectives concluded an investigation on December 11 into reports of inappropriate acts. The incidents reportedly occurred between September and October 2025 at an AutoZone store located at 13720 Foulger Square in Woodbridge, Virginia.
According to police, “The investigation revealed two female employees, both under the age of 18 at the time of the offenses, were sexually abused during work hours or at closing by their supervisor while employed at the business.”
Sebastian Rios-Vidales, 22, was arrested after investigators identified him as the accused. He has been charged with four counts of indecent liberties with a child by a custodian. His court date is pending, and his bond was set at $2,000 secured.
The Prince William County Police Department asks that anyone with information regarding this case contact them at (703) 792 7000 or submit a tip to: pwcva.gov/policetip.
Could AutoZone Be Held Civilly Responsible?
This case raises serious concerns about a lack of protections for minor employees in the workplace. According to police, the alleged abuse occurred while Rios-Vidales was acting in a supervisory role over underage workers. Although AutoZone has stated that tRios-Vidales is no longer employed there, action taken after harm has occurred does not eliminate questions about the employer’s role in preventing the abuse.
Employers have a legal duty to provide a safe environment for all employees, particularly minors. That duty includes implementing reasonable safeguards to reduce the risk of abuse, particularly in situations where minors work under the direct authority of adult supervisors. Civil litigation can examine whether those safeguards were in place and properly enforced.
Because AutoZone operates as a national retailer, a civil case may examine not only the conduct of the individual accused, but also the practices in place at the store where the abuse allegedly occurred, as well as any corporate policies governing employee conduct or supervision. If failures in supervision or protective measures enabled or contributed to the abuse, the company could face civil accountability separate from the criminal case.
How Civil Cases Empower Survivors
While criminal cases focus on charges and sentencing, civil cases allow survivors to examine workplace conditions and potential safety failures that enabled the abuse.
Civil cases also give survivors an opportunity to be heard in a different way. Through the civil process, survivors can seek acknowledgment of the harm they experienced, pursue financial compensation for the lasting emotional and psychological impact, and, in some cases, prompt changes to policies or practices that may help prevent similar abuse in the future.
For many survivors, the ability to hold businesses and institutions accountable and push for safer environments can be a meaningful step toward healing and reclaiming a sense of agency.
Free and Confidential Consultations
If you or someone you loved was harmed by Sebastian Rios-Vidales or another person in a position of authority, you may have legal options.
Survivors of child sexual abuse often struggle with confusion, fear, and uncertainty about whether they have any legal options. Speaking with a trauma-informed attorney can help clarify whether you may have a civil case.
Our firm represents survivors of sexual abuse in civil cases against institutions that failed to protect them. Our free, confidential consultations are guided by a survivor-centered approach.
Whether you are ready to pursue legal action or simply want to understand your rights and options, we are here to listen.
Contact us today.
