Massage Therapist Accused Of Sexual Assaults Once Confessed To Rape
LAFAYETTE, Colo. (CBS4) – A massage therapist is now facing criminal charges after two clients say he sexually assaulted them.
Police arrested Brandon Smith, 32, of Northglenn, last week, on suspicion of six counts of sexual assault.
According to Lafayette police, who are investigating the case, the clients, both women, say Smith inappropriately touched them while giving them massages. The women both told police they were nearly asleep or had just fallen asleep when the assaults occurred.
The incidents are alleged to have happened at Green Leaf Massage Center located at 545 West South Boulder Road. According to arrest documents, Smith began working there in January. Police say the incidents occurred between August and October.
Christine Williams, the massage center's owner, told CBS4 Smith was terminated in October when she learned of the allegations against him. She sent CBS4 the following statement:
"Brandon was employed with us. Upon his hiring, there was no evidence to suggest that he was capable of this behavior. He was licensed through the State of Colorado, which runs a background check and fingerprinting that all came back clean on his record. We rely on them to help us perform comprehensive background checks for the safety of our clients and we are appalled that these events were not prevented. When we were made aware of these events we took immediate action and terminated his position and cooperated fully with the Lafayette Police Department. We are appalled and disgusted by these actions and these do not reflect the values and integrity of our center. We will continue to work fully with police and authorities and we expect the highest level of professionalism from all our therapists."
Colorado's Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) oversees licensing for massage therapists. According to DORA's website, Smith is licensed to practice massage therapy. His license is active and set to expire at the end of this year. His license shows no history of disciplinary actions against him.
CBS4 tried unsuccessfully to reach Smith at his home and by phone for comment for this story.
According to his arrest affidavit, police say Smith was arrested in 2005 for sexual assault in Thornton. Police say he was accused of rape and confessed to the charges, but the victim decided not to pursue the charges, and the case was dropped.
Williams told CBS4 she was not aware of Smith's previous arrest when she hired him, added, "If I had known, I wouldn't have hired him."
Smith has not yet been formally charged in the case.
Lauren DiSpirito reports for CBS4 News at 10 p.m. She covers breaking news and feature stories along Colorado's Front Range. Follow her on Twitter @CBS4Lauren. Share your story ideas with her here.
