Northern Michigan massage therapist facing sex charge - UpNorthLive.com

[massage]

Northern Michigan massage therapist, Jeffry Knapp, 54, facing third degree criminal sexual conduct.


GRAND TRAVERSE COUNTY, Mich. (WPBN/WGTU) -- A northern Michigan massage therapist is now charged with third degree criminal sexual conduct.

This comes after a woman says Jeffry Knapp violated her during a massage at Loving Hand Massage and Spa in September 2018.

After further investigation, prosecutors found a similar accusation had been made by a different woman in 2005.

Now, prosecutors are encouraging any other victims to come forward.

According to prosecuting attorney Noelle Moeggenberg, third degree criminal sexual conduct is a sexual act that involves sexual penetration that is accomplished through force or coercion.

The 54-year-old massage therapist was arrested October 10, 2018 and released on bond.

"He was set to go to trial on January 2nd, we had been through a preliminary examination and we were ready to go to trial," said Moeggenberg. "[Then just before the new year] one of our attorneys found there was a victim back in 2005."

The alleged victim from 2005 wishes to remain anonymous, but spoke to 7&4 News just one day after a deputy called her to confirm the case, asking her to recall everything that she said happened 14 years ago.

"During the massage he had asked me if I wanted my chest done and I thought he was talking about my upper chest that was uncovered by the towel," she said. "So I said 'sure' and then he removed the towel."

She said she feels like Knapp took advantage of the fact that it was her first massage and she wasn't quite sure what to expect.

After talking with family and friends she decided to report it to the business where Knapp worked at the time.

"They assured me that they would take care of it and investigate it," she said. "Shame on me for not following through, but I expected they were taking care of it and he [Knapp] would not be giving massages anymore, and I remember talking to my attorney about that."

Knapp was fired from that place, but was able to keep his license because it was only reported as a civil case, not criminal.

“Obviously coming forward and talking about someone touching your intimate parts isn’t easy for anyone," said Moeggenberg. "A civil case is somewhat quieter.”

Although it's tough, the prosecutor says it's important to talk about these situations, so if a case ever does go to court they can present a full picture to the judge.

The owner of Loving Hand Massage and Spa says she has never had any complaints about Knapp, but suspended his job when he became under investigation.

If Knapp is found guilty, he could face up to 15 years in prison.

He's expected back in court on Friday.


Let's block ads! (Why?)