Masseuse at Rancho Cucamonga spa arrested, accused of sexual battery

Law enforcement officials are searching for other possible victims of a certified masseuse accused of sexual battery while working at a spa in Rancho Cucamonga.

Charles Oliver Russell, a 56-year-old resident of Riverside, allegedly "sexually touched a customer inappropriately" while working at Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa, the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department said in a news release. He was booked into West Valley Detention Center on suspicion of sexual battery and false imprisonment, sheriff's officials said.

Russell, who sheriff's officials have described as a certified masseuse, was arrested on a warrant after investigators "substantiated" the allegations, the news release said. 

No other details were given by the department about that investigation. 

However, based on information collected by investigators, they believe there could be other potential victims. The department has released a photo of Russell to the public as they continue to investigate.

In a statement, Hand & Stone said Russell's employment was "immediately suspended" when the franchise owner in Rancho Cucamonga learned of the allegations against him in May. 

A spokesperson for the spa company wrote in a statement that franchise owners for Hand & Stone adhere to "rigorous" safety standards and protocols.

The statement also said each guest receives a "service orientation form," which includes a "customer bill of rights and our attention button, which is intended to be used if the guest or the therapist need assistance."

"These are core parts of our spa processes, as they aim to provide a safe and professional experience to all our customers," the statement reads.

The company also said the Rancho Cucamonga location is independently owned and operated and all franchise owners are trained on "strict hiring and screening tools, therapist training and prevention measures and reporting and investigation policies."

Anyone who may have been a victim or has other information is urged to contact Deputy M. Gonzales of the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department's Rancho Cucamonga Station at 909-477-2800. Those wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME(27463) or visit wetip.com.