A spa worker is facing charges of criminal sexual abuse after allegedly inappropriately touching a client at a Pilsen neighborhood spa, Chicago authorities have reported. Taras Zholdak, a 50-year-old employee at Chocolate For Your Body located at 1743 S. Halsted St., is accused of misconduct during a massage session that took place on January 15, according to FOX 32 Chicago.
Following the incident the woman involved promptly exited the room, a detail that was highlighted in court on Friday, yet it was on Wednesday that Zholdak found himself arrested and consequently charged his public defender told the court that Zholdak, who comes from Ukraine, and sought refuge in the U.S., lacks a license for massage therapy, a fact also confirmed by prosecutors, this detail being highlighted during his initial court appearance as reported by Chicago Sun-Times.
Judge Kelly McCarthy released Zholdak from custody pending trial, with the stipulation he refrains from performing any massage therapy while the charge hangs in the balance. Chocolate For Your Body, portraying itself on its website as a full-service spa offering a variety of treatments including haircuts, manicures, and waxing, has since terminated Zholdak's employment following the allegations.
In a conversation with the Chicago Sun-Times, spa owner Laura Wilczynska expressed remorse stating "We just wanted to help", explaining their intentions to aid Zholdak due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, she recounted how Zholdak had assured them that he was in the process of obtaining the necessary license for massage therapy in the state before they decided to employ him feeling sympathetic to his situation as a displaced person amid war turmoil.
