A 44-year-old massage therapist from North Branch is facing a felony charge after a client accused him of sexually assaulting her during a massage at a Rochester Hills spa in August. Nathan Adam Thornsberry was booked into the Oakland County Jail on Oct. 29, according to the jail roster, months after the alleged assault took place.
Thornsberry faces one count of third-degree criminal sexual conduct, a felony, as reported by The Oakland Press. According to midmichigannow.com, the alleged assault occurred on Aug. 12 while the victim was receiving a massage at the Rochester Hills spa.
Prosecutors allege that during the massage, Thornsberry touched the client's intimate areas and sexually penetrated her with his finger. The victim told him to stop, but he allegedly continued touching her as he withdrew his hand, per the same account.
Prosecutor Cites Abuse of Trust
Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald said the case reflects a breach of professional responsibility. “This defendant allegedly abused his position of trust to violate the victim,” McDonald said, according to midmichigannow.com's report.
McDonald also emphasized the standard clients should expect from licensed professionals. “Customers have a right to expect to be treated professionally” during massage and other therapeutic treatments, she said, as reported by Patch.
Felony Carries Up to 15 Years
Third-degree criminal sexual conduct is punishable by up to 15 years in prison under Michigan law. Thornsberry could face that maximum sentence if found guilty, the station's report notes.
Cases alleging sexual misconduct by massage professionals have surfaced elsewhere in the country. In Monterey, California, a 46-year-old massage therapist was arrested after a woman reported being sexually assaulted during a massage at a local spa and salon, according to KSBW. That case remained under investigation as authorities sought additional information from the public.
