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A massage therapist has been taken into custody following accusations of sexual assault at a spa in Dallas-Fort Worth Airport. The incident allegedly occurred at the SpaHere facility in Terminal C at 2330 N International Pkwy, Dallas, TX 75261.
The accused, identified as 33-year-old Zantana Zuniga, reportedly groped a woman named Sadie Kolves during a massage on August 11, 2024, while she was on a layover, according to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Kolves has publicly shared her experience through a series of TikTok videos, detailing how the assault left her unable to walk due to the severity of the encounter. An arrest warrant affidavit reveals that photographs of bruises on Kolves' upper thigh were included as evidence.
In an interview with the Star-Telegram, Kolves expressed her surprise at Zuniga's arrest. "It was an ordeal to get them to even prosecute," she stated, adding that the discovery of additional cases against Zuniga provided her with a sense of relief. Kolves emphasized her concerns over Zuniga's massage therapy license, stating, "I need his license to be gone, for him to not be able to practice and touch another female again."
According to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, there have been five investigations into Zuniga's alleged misconduct. Four of these cases are still pending. Despite these investigations, Zuniga's massage therapy license remains active, and no disciplinary measures have been taken against him at the state level.
In response to a Google review from Kolves' husband, an official from the spa asserted that all therapists undergo background checks and claimed that Kolves had "informed the officer that she bruises easily." However, an assistant manager at the DFW Airport SpaHere confirmed that Zuniga is no longer with the establishment but declined to comment further.
In the aftermath of a recent arrest involving a massage therapist accused of sexual assault, understanding the legal rights available to victims has become increasingly important. To address these concerns, we spoke with seasoned Texas sex abuse lawyer Ajali Nigam. In this conversation, Nigam outlines the steps victims can take to protect themselves, the avenues for holding negligent parties accountable, and what individuals should know if they find themselves in such a distressing situation.
Editor Darla Medina: Thank you for joining us, Ajali. Can you explain what legal rights victims have if they experience sexual abuse during a massage?
Attorney Ajali Nigam: Absolutely, Darla. Victims have the right to file a civil lawsuit against the perpetrator and potentially the spa itself. This can include claims for damages like medical expenses, emotional distress, and lost wages.
DM: What steps should a victim take immediately after such an incident?
AN: It's vital to seek medical attention right away, both for physical injuries and to collect evidence. Documenting the incident, including any communication with the spa, is also crucial. Reporting the assault to law enforcement can help initiate a criminal investigation.
DM: How can victims hold negligent parties accountable?
AN: Victims can pursue legal action against both the individual responsible and the establishment if they failed to provide a safe environment. This can include demonstrating that the spa did not conduct proper background checks or didn’t take action despite previous complaints.
DM: Thank you, Ajali, for sharing this important information. It's vital for victims to know their rights and the options available to them.
If you or a loved one has experienced sexual assault during a massage, know that you are not alone. It’s important to seek guidance and support during this difficult time. We encourage victims and their families to contact us for a free consultation. Our team is here to help you understand your rights and explore the options available to you in seeking justice and healing.
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