A Winnipeg Police Service shoulder badge is seen at the Public Information Office in Winnipeg, on September 2, 2021. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/David Lipnowski)
WINNIPEG — A former massage therapist at a Winnipeg spa is facing charges after a woman was allegedly sexually assaulted.
Winnipeg police say the woman reported her body was touched in an unwanted and sexual manner during a massage therapy appointment at Thermea in the 700 block of Crescent Drive on May 16.
The victim, in her 50s, reported the incident to police three days later. She wasn’t physically injured during the incident.
A 40-year-old man was arrested on Thursday and is facing a sexual assault charge. He was released to appear in court at a later date.
The suspect, who police say is a licensed massage therapist, is no longer employed by the business.
“Thermëa by Nordik Spa-Nature received two complaints regarding alleged incidents between a registered massage therapist and clients,” the company told ChrisD.ca in a statement.
“This therapist’s contract was immediately suspended. After an internal investigation, Thermëa ended its agreement with the contractor.
“Spa leadership treats any allegation of professional misconduct with the highest level of care and have fully cooperated with the Winnipeg Police Service in their investigation.”
Police continue to investigate and ask anyone who wishes to speak with an investigator to call (204) 986-6245.
