Longview police say they arrested massage therapist Matthew Edward Grimm after investigating a client's report of unwanted sexual contact during an August 31 treatment session at The Chiro Clinic on 3rd Avenue. Grimm was booked into Cowlitz County Jail, and investigators said they are seeking information about whether other patients may have had similar experiences.
According to KIRO 7 News Seattle, the patient called police after the appointment and reported the unwanted sexual advances. Investigators developed probable cause to arrest Grimm, though he has not yet been formally charged in connection with the alleged inappropriate touching, the station reports. Per a statement from the Longview Police Department, the incident allegedly occurred during a massage treatment session at the clinic, located at 1157 3rd Avenue.
Police established probable cause to arrest Grimm, and the department said anyone with additional information should contact police at (360) 442-5865. KIRO 7 notes it is naming Grimm specifically because investigators are concerned there could be more victims who have not yet come forward.
What the Charge Actually Means
Under Washington law, a healthcare provider commits indecent liberties when knowingly causing a client or patient to have sexual contact during a treatment session, consultation, or examination, according to a breakdown of RCW 9A.44.100(1)(d). The offense is classified as a Class B felony that carries a potential sentence of up to 10 years in state prison. Grimm has not been convicted of any crime, and the allegations against him remain unproven pending judicial determination.
What a License Complaint Can Mean
A criminal case and a professional licensing matter are separate questions. The Washington State Department of Health's Board of Massage says it regulates the competency and quality of massage professionals under its jurisdiction to protect public health and safety. The information available here does not establish that Grimm's license has been suspended or that the board has opened administrative proceedings.
Washington law classifies licensed massage therapists as healthcare providers under Department of Health supervision, a designation that comes with mandatory criminal background checks, ethics training, and 24 hours of continuing education every two years, according to the Washington State Department of Health. That framework creates a separate administrative oversight process in addition to any criminal investigation.
A Dual Track of Accountability
Washington Administrative Code 246-16-100 addresses sexual misconduct. It remains unknown whether the Cowlitz County Prosecuting Attorney's Office will file formal felony charges against Grimm or whether the Washington Board of Massage will take administrative action involving his license.
The Chiro Clinic, where the incident allegedly took place, is a regional wellness facility on 3rd Avenue directed by chiropractor Dr. Gregg Lackey that combines chiropractic adjustments, deep tissue massage, and injury rehabilitation, according to The Chiro Clinic. Longview has seen its police department field other sexual misconduct reports in recent months. Hoodline previously reported that officers responded to multiple public misconduct calls in the downtown corridor within a single day in August.
The case echoes a pattern seen elsewhere in Washington. A Bellevue massage therapist was charged with attempted second-degree rape after an alleged assault during a treatment session, and the state suspended his practice license, according to KING 5 News. Similar cases have surfaced beyond Washington as well, including a Minnesota massage therapist who admitted to assaulting multiple clients while unlicensed and separate reports involving an Ohio abuse case and Ohio kidnapping-and-rape charges.
Longview Police Captain Brandon McNew is mentioned in connection with the case in the Longview Police Department's Facebook statement. Anyone with information related to the case is asked to contact police at (360) 442-5865, as investigators continue working to determine whether other patients may have experienced similar conduct.
