Ex-Miss Costa Rica joins Arias accusers

A woman holds up a sign with a message that translates from Spanish: “Oscar Arias violator”, during a protest by women activists under the slogan “Yo te creo,” or “I believe you,” in San Jose, Costa Rica on Friday. At least five women have accused Arias of actions ranging from unwelcome fondling or sexual innuendo to sexual assault. AP

SAN JOSE — A former Miss Costa Rica has become the second woman to make a criminal complaint against Nobel Peace Prize laureate and ex-President Oscar Arias, in the latest of mounting allegations of sexual misconduct to emerge this week.

The woman alleges that Arias grabbed her, groped her and kissed her against her will at his home in 2015, according to partial photos of the complaint published late Thursday by Escri-Viendo, a Facebook page dedicated to entertainment news.

Prosecutors confirmed its existence Friday, telling The Associated Press they had “received a new complaint against Mr. Arias Sanchez for the presumed crime of sexual abuse. The case accrues to the complaint filed Monday since it involves a single accused person and apparent crimes of the same nature.”

At least five women have accused Arias of actions ranging from unwelcome fondling or sexual innuendo to sexual assault. In the first criminal complaint, the former president is accused of groping, kissing and penetrating a female peace activist with his fingers at his home in 2014.

Arias denied wrongdoing after the initial complaint surfaced, saying he has never violated any woman’s will and has fought for gender equality during his career. As more allegations emerged, his lawyer Erick Ramos has declined to comment further, citing the pending legal case.

According to the complaint, as the woman approached a closed door, Arias put himself in front of her.