A Phoenix massage therapist is facing criminal charges after a client told police he sexually abused her during two appointments at a Foothills-area clinic. Julian Harris, 39, was arrested June 9 at his Tempe home and is now booked on three counts of sexual abuse. Investigators say a recorded phone call in which Harris allegedly acknowledged crossing the line helped push the case forward.
Allegations detailed in court records
According to Arizona's Family, the woman reported that during a May 12 session, Harris massaged her chest. She returned a week later for a follow-up appointment and told police that while she was facedown he placed his penis in her hand and touched other parts of her body. She said she told Harris to stop, then left the office and alerted both police and the clinic’s management.
Clinic and location
The alleged assaults happened at Pritchette Physical Therapy’s Foothills clinic near Chandler Boulevard and Desert Foothills Parkway. Pritchette Physical Therapy lists massage therapy among the services offered at its Ahwatukee and Foothills locations.
Recorded call and alleged admission
Court documents state the woman agreed to a one-party consent phone call with Harris and put the call on speaker so detectives could listen in. As reported by Arizona's Family, Harris allegedly told her his actions were inappropriate and apologized several times. On the recording, he also appeared to suggest he might have had similar interactions with other clients.
Legal context
Harris is charged with three counts of sexual abuse. Those charges are allegations, and he is presumed innocent unless and until he is proven guilty in court. The Maricopa County Attorney's Office prosecuted a similar case in 2024 that ended with a five-year prison sentence for a massage therapist convicted of sexually abusing clients, a signal that prosecutors are taking boundary violations in clinical settings seriously.
Reporting and licensing
Victims and witnesses can report possible crimes to local law enforcement and may also file complaints with the state licensing board that regulates massage therapists. LegalClarity notes that the Arizona State Board of Massage Therapy offers a formal complaint process and a public license lookup tool so consumers can verify practitioners.
Authorities are asking anyone with additional information to contact local police. Victim services and support resources are available through county offices. This story will be updated as officials release more details.
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