Broward Massage Therapist Accused Of Sexual Battery
CORAL SPRINGS (CBS4) - A 32 year old licensed massage therapist from Oakland Park has been arrested for sexually battering on a client.
Coral Springs police took Michael Ster into custody Tuesday and charged him with two counts of sexual battery.
According to police, the victim told them she went to the Massage Envy at 2878 University Drive in Coral Springs on Monday.
In their arrest report, Coral Springs Police say the victim claimed at the end of the massage Ster began touching her breasts. Ster then mounted the massage table and began to perform oral sex on the victim, according to the report. The victim stated she was in shock and tried to push Ster away. She said he paused for a moment and continued to assault her.
After the alleged incident, the victim then reported what happened to the police. Detectives say they found corroborative evidence and placed Ster into custody.
No one answered the door at Ster's Oakland Park apartment.
Employees at the Massage Envy front desk said they couldn't discuss Ster. But the manager released a written statement which said;
"Each clinic, which is independently owned and operated by a franchisee, employs therapists who have graduated from an accredited massage school and who meet all state and local licensing requirements. The clinics conduct criminal background checks on all potential massage therapists including this therapist at the time of hiring. Massage therapists also receive training and orientation from the Massage Envy Clinic which specifically includes coverage of the policy expressly prohibiting inappropriate conduct. We take all customer complaints very seriously and have a zero tolerance policy on inappropriate behavior. The clinic is fully cooperating with the investigation. The therapist has been suspended pending the investigation."
CBS 4 spoke with regulars of the Massage Envy in Coral Springs. They expressed surprise at the arrest.
"The service is professional. They really take care of their clients. I've been a member for five years," said George Reyes.
Ralph Baselic who went to the facility with his wife on Tuesday, said it wouldn't dissuade him from going back.
"I believe in every business it's going to happen. You will come across this type of incident. Especially in today's world."
Coral Springs police are asking anyone with information about this incident or any other incident to contact the police department or Broward Crime Stoppers at (954) 493-TIPS.
