Massage Therapist Enters No Contest Plea In Sex Assault Case
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WWJ/AP) -- A 54-year-old western Michigan massage therapist has pleaded no contest to third-degree criminal sexual conduct in connection with an assault during a therapy session.
John Ashby's plea came Monday -- the day his trial was to start in Kent County Circuit Court.
Police say the incident reportedly occurred in February at a spa in Grand Rapids. The spa has closed.
According to WOOD TV, court documents show that Ashby allegedly used force or coercion to engage in sexual penetration.
A no contest plea isn't an admission of guilt but is treated as such for sentencing. Ashby is to be sentenced on Sept. 29.
TM and © Copyright 2016 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2016 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
