massage therapist

Trial Begins for Massage Therapist Accused of Sexual Battery

The trial of a man accused of sexual battery while working as a massage therapist at the Tiano Salon and Spa in Coconut Grove got underway Tuesday.

“He put, like the sheets, between my legs and then he like brushed my private area,” the alleged victim told the court.

The victim said Victor Sanchez didn’t just touch her private area, but also performed oral sex on her during the massage. In a videotaped police interview, Sanchez said what happened during the massage was mutual.

Sanchez: “Un beso ahi”
Detective: “He gave her a kiss”
Sanchez: “Y ella me dijo que rico”
Detective: “And then she said it’s good.”
Sanchez: “It’s good”
Detective: “Y que paso?”
Sanchez: “Y me dijo sigua, sigue.”
Detective: “And she said keep going, keep on going.”

Prosecutors said during their opening statement that the jury would hear from an additional two women who made similar allegations against Sanchez. Prosecutors said Sanchez, “didn’t realize that those other women would be cooperative with the prosecution.”

But Sanchez’s attorney said their client was lied to by detectives in order to get him to confess to something he didn’t do. According to the defense, detectives told Sanchez they had DNA evidence that would prove he sexually battered the alleged victim.

“He’s innocent because this is a story of fabrication and manipulation,” said attorney Julia Seifer-Smith.

The trial will continue Wednesday as prosecutors have two more alleged victims take the stand. If Sanchez is found guilty of sexual battery, he could face up to 15 years in prison.

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