The Tempe Police Department arrested former Massage Envy masseur Gabriel Lopez on suspicion of one count of sexual abuse after a woman claimed he inappropriately touched her breasts during a massage on June 18.
The victim received services at the Massage Envy at 315 W. Elliot Rd. in Tempe and alleged Lopez put his mouth on her nipple during a massage.
The victim filed a claim against Lopez with the Arizona State Board of Massage Therapy two days later and contacted Tempe Police, who performed a DNA test.
Lopez denied the accusations, but Tempe Police said they have DNA evidence to support the victim's claims.
"The crucial piece of evidence that we have is the DNA," Tempe Police Lt. Michael Pooley said. "The victim will go to a special nurse who will collect a sample from the area that Mr. Lopez touched."
That information was sent to the DPS crime lab and Pooley said the information came back yesterday with a positive match.
Lopez's massage therapy record on the Arizona State Board of Massage Therapy website does reflect the victim's claim and also shows he is currently unlicensed in the state.
Massage Envy's corporate office in Scottsdale responded to the claims with this statement:
"In accordance with the Massage Envy Spa Zero Tolerance Policy, the franchisee involved treated these allegations very seriously. This therapist is no longer employed by this franchisee. The franchisee did conduct the requisite background check on the therapist at issue, and immediately upon learning of the allegations, conducted a full investigation and is cooperating with authorities."
It is unclear whether Lopez continued to work at Massage Envy until his license was revoked in September.
