SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — A massage therapist is facing sexual abuse charges. He is accused of touching a female client’s private parts.
Scottsdale investigators say the alleged abuse unfolded inside a Massage Envy at Scottsdale and Thomas roads, marking the latest allegation against the massage chain's therapists.
According to court documents, the victim was a Massage Envy customer for almost a decade.
Caleb Cherry, who has been a licensed massage therapist since 2012, first denied inappropriately touching the victim.
However, after police told Caleb Cherry his DNA was found on the victim's vagina, police said he admitted to touching her inappropriately.
According to police documents, Cherry said his decision to touch the victim's vagina was "spur of the moment."
In Cherry's initial court appearance, prosecutors expressed concerns there may be other victims.
Cherry is not the first Massage Envy therapist to come under similar charges.
A 2017 investigation by Buzzfeed News revealed more than 180 allegations against Massage Envy therapists nationwide.
In the Valley, there were two prominent cases.
Gabriel Lopez pleaded guilty to putting his mouth on a woman's breast. Derrick Douglas pleaded guilty after he was arrested for inappropriately touching some customers.
In a statement, Massage Envy says:
"Massage Envy is committed to promoting a safe environment for members, guests and service providers."
The company said Cherry has now been terminated.
The statement continues in part, "We urge anyone that experiences anything other than a safe, quality massage to report it immediately."