Suit: Massage Therapist Sexually Assaulted Woman
(CBS) -- A client of the Tinley Park branch of Massage Envy is suing the owners, claiming she was sexually assaulted by a masseuse.
Catherine Smith of Chicago filed a civil suit Thursdaay, seeking at least $50,000 -- plus legal fees.
Smith's attorney, Jessica Arbour, says her client went in for a two-hour massage in August because of back pain and ended up being groped by her male massage therapist.
WBBM is not naming the massage therapist because he hasn't been charged with any crime.
Arbour says despite Smith filing a complaint with managers and a police report immediately after the alleged incident, the masseuse remains employed and his license is still active with the state.
Smith claims the man admitted to touching her inappropriately right after she told him to stop but he changed his story to his bosses and police.
Arbour says Massage Envy has a responsibility to keep its customers safe.
The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation says the employee's license remains active.
A spokesperson says they investigate any complaint but don't comment on those investigations.
Massage Envy says a franchisee is required to fire a therapist who violates the company's "zero tolerance" policy toward misconduct.
