Avoiding Sexual Assault Charges is Easier Than Defending Them

On October 18, 2018, Arnel Thomas, a 51-year old masseuse from Reno was arrested on two counts of sexual assault. According to police records, Thomas was arrested after a woman came forward claiming she was sexually assaulted during a paid therapeutic massage session. After reviewing the report, police discovered that Thomas was involved in a similar incident in 2017. Police report that in both cases these women were first-time clients of Thomas. During the investigation, a third woman came forward. After a short interview with Thomas, he was arrested.

Oath of the Massage Therapist

As a qualified and experienced massage therapist, you follow the principle of ethics laid by the American Massage Therapy Association. If you didn’t, you wouldn’t have a legitimate business or even a practice. These guidelines and rules are set forth to protect both the patient and you. If you’ve just met a client for the first time, then you won’t know what they do and don’t consider inappropriate. The smallest amount of pressure in the wrong area could have you behind bars and giving up massage therapy forever.

Tips for Practicing Massage Therapists to Avoid Sexual Assault Charges

1. Always Conduct Yourself in a Professional Manner

Maintaining professionalism means following all the ethics outlined by the AMTA, but it also means communication. If a client is noticeable anxious, then be sure to speak out loud every step of the massage before you begin doing it. By guiding the client through the massage verbally you eliminate any surprises. This also gives the client a chance to let you know whether they want that area of the body massaged. Ignoring these basic principles can get you accused of inappropriate conduct, ethical violations, and even sexual assault.

You are More Susceptible to this Charge than Others

Due to the nature of your profession, it is much more likely for someone to misconstrue your actions as sexual assault. This was most likely brought up in your training and it is something to always be aware of. Many people see a fine line between relieving stress and arousal. There are people that do get the two confused. There are also others that are looking for a therapist to make this kind of mistake to try and get a big payout. Sexual misconduct and sexual assault aren’t the only two crimes brought against massage therapists. Other allegations include:

• violations of the rules or statutes governing massage therapy, as set forth by the Massage Therapist Board
• ethical violations
• expired massage therapy license
• failure to complete continuing education requirements

Being convicted of one or more of these crimes can result in reprimand, financial penalties, probation, and suspension or revocation of your license.

3. Maintain the Most Current Knowledge of Your Profession

Improper Care is another criminal charge that can be brought against massage therapists. Massage is an evolving craft. It changes with advancements in medicine. This is one of the reasons there are continuing education classes associated with maintaining a massage therapist license. Clients, too, can educate themselves on the different styles of massage. They can walk in with their own set of expectations. One of the best ways to make sure everybody has a positive experience is to talk about the massage before it begins. This gives the client the opportunity to share what they know on the topic.

Jesse Kalter is an Experienced Sexual Assault Lawyer

As a massage therapist, being accused of sexual assault or any other crime can turn your world upside down. You thought you were providing a pain relief service but someone simply took something out of context and now you are arrested. Jesse Kalter has defended countless sexual assault and sexual misconduct cases. His tenacious pursuit of the truth has gotten him many dismissals and even not-guilty verdicts. He is available to serve the people of Reno, Sparks, Carson City, Fallon, Fernley, Dayton, Yerington, Douglas County, and all other Northern NV rural counties.
Sexual Assault Charges Need Immediate Action!

Contact Jesse Kalter Today for a Confidential Case Evaluation and Consultation
CLICK HERE to Contact Him Online or Call 775-331-3888
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