Sexual assault allegations against Massage Envy have come forward over the past several years. Reports stem from masseuses and managers at Massage Envy. The accusations include groping, fondling and sexual assault. Other accusations include covering up the misconduct and mishandling the claims. One massage therapist was convicted of criminal sexual conduct for assaulting nine different clients. The therapist admitted to inserting his fingers in her vagina. Massage Envy was reported saying that they are not responsible for the actions of its employees. 180 allegations occurred over 15 years during over 125 million massages. Massage Envy will likely continue to be in the news as more allegations come forward and until the company’s policies change. The company will need to afford greater protections to their customers going forward.
Types of sexual assault in Minnesota
In Minnesota, there are 5 degrees of criminal sexual conduct. First-degree criminal sexual conduct is the most severe and is when there is sexual penetration or sexual contact with a victim under 13 years old. To be charged with Criminal sexual conduct in the first degree, the defendant has to be more than 36 months older that the victim under 13, or the victim is between 13 and 16 the defendant is more than 48 months older, or if the victim has reasonable fear of harm, or if the defendant is armed with a dangerous weapon, or caused injury to victim, used coercion, or had reason to know the victim is mentally impaired, or if there was a significant relationship and the victim was under 16 at the time. There are clearly many ways and situations that could lead to a first-degree criminal sexual conduct charge. According to the reports filed at Massage Envy, many of the massage therapists would likely be charged with third or fourth degree criminal sexual conduct in Minnesota. Depending on whether there was sexual contact or penetration the severity of the charge would change. When determining degrees of sexual assault, there are many factors that come into play such as whether the actor was in a position of authority of the complainant, age of both individuals, the amount of force used, and the type of touching or penetration.
In the past, Keller Criminal Defense Attorneys has represented individuals employed at Massage Envy who have been charged with criminal sexual conduct and sexual assault allegations. For more information about the process or degrees of criminal sexual conduct contact attorneys at Keller Criminal Defense Attorneys.
If you have been charged with a sexual harassment claim such as third or fourth degree criminal sexual conduct please contact Max Keller. If convicted of sexual harassment or criminal sexual conduct, you may be facing substantial prison time. The attorneys at Keller Criminal Defense Attorneys are ready to help you with the sexual harassment allegations against you. Some defenses may include consent, alternate perpetrator, or mistake of age. Max Keller has handled many sexual harassment cases throughout Minnesota and has won jury trials. Max Keller offers a free consultation. Call today at 952-912-1421 and please visit the firms website at www.kellerlawoffices.com.
