Gaithersburg, Maryland - Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa Employee Charged with Sexually Assaulting Customer

Montgomery County Massage Therapist Accused of Sexual Assault

36-year-old massage therapist Joshua Weston Johnson has been arrested for allegedly inappropriately touching a customer during a massage at Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa in Gaithersburg. He faces charges of fourth-degree sex offense and second-degree assault.

A police report was filed on December 10 and Johnson was served a summons on February 22.

Police say Johnson also worked as a private massage therapist at other locations in the Montgomery County region.

Hand & Stone released a statement on Wednesday night, which said that Johnson was terminated immediately after the business was notified of the incident.

The authorities believe there may be additional victims and have asked anyone with information to contact the police at 240-773-5770.

Are you looking for a Hand & Stone sexual abuse lawyer for an alleged abuse? Continue reading below for commentary from attorney Aaron Blank.

Legal Recourse For Survivors of Massage Therapist Sexual Assault

Attorney contributor Aaron Blank represents survivors of sexual assault in civil cases. He and his team have helped dozens of massage therapist sexual assault survivors file lawsuits. Here are some of his thoughts on the legal options available to these survivors:

Massage therapy is an industry built on trust. Customers are in vulnerable positions during massage therapy appointments, so it’s vital that all massage therapists are trustworthy people. But sadly, some massage therapists exploit their positions of trust in order to sexually abuse their customers. The survivors of these crimes deserve justice.

In many cases of massage therapist sexual assault, the business is also partly responsible for failing to keep customers safe. Massage Envy, a nationwide chain, has even been accused of covering up these crimes and allowing accused therapists to work at other locations. Many survivors of sexual assault by massage therapists have filed lawsuits against Massage Envy and other companies.

If you or a loved one has recently been sexually assaulted by a massage therapist, it’s important to be aware of your legal options. You can learn more by speaking to one of our experienced sexual abuse survivors lawyers.