According to KSDK, a massage therapist has been accused of sexually abusing a client at Float Edwardsville.
Christopher S. McKee has been charged for sexually abusing a client during her massage. The victim, a 32-year-old woman, reported the incident. He faces one count of criminal sexual abuse and one count of sexual battery.
No other details have been released regarding the assault. The investigation is ongoing.
Attorney contributor Guy D'Andrea has represented numerous victims of sexual abuse in civil lawsuits. Below, Brian provides insight into the legal rights of victims sexually abused during a massage.
"The massage industry continues to struggle with sexual abuse cases due to the extreme vulnerability of the client during the massage. Spas have a legal obligation to uphold their clients' safety and must do everything possible to prevent crimes from happening. If a victim has been abused in a spa, they should know they may have grounds for a civil lawsuit against the business."
"Businesses must ensure the people working in their spas are both trustworthy and qualified. However, if an owner does not follow proper precautions, they may be considered liable in cases of abuse as a result of negligence. An example of negligence is if prior misconduct complaints were filed against a masseuse, but they were still permitted to work. In such cases, victims might have grounds for a lawsuit and receive compensation for damages."