Houston, Texas - Massage Heights Employee James Jefferson Accused of Sexually Assaulting Customer, Undercover Cop

Massage Heights Employee James Jefferson Charged with Sexually Assaulting Customer

A massage therapist at the Massage Heights chain location on West Holcombe Boulevard has been charged with sexually assaulting a customer during a massage, as well as an undercover police officer who was investigating the allegation. 55-year-old James Jefferson was arrested and charged with two counts of sexual assault on Wednesday.

A female customer reported that Jefferson had sexually assaulted her on Monday during a two-hour massage at the business. Police then sent a female undercover officer into the massage parlor to get a massage from Jefferson.

Undercover assets were placed on this undercover officer to see if Jefferson would sexually assault her. According to the police, he did so and a report was made on Wednesday morning. He was arrested later that day.

By Wednesday night, at least two other people had come forward claiming that Jefferson had also sexually assaulted them. Those complaints regard alleged assaults at a different massage business where Jefferson previously worked. No charges have been filed in either of those cases, as of August 22. However, deputies say more charges could be on the way.

Constable Alan Rosen Harris sent out a tweet about the case, saying that Precinct 1 deputies are looking for other victims.

Legal Rights of Massage Therapist Sexual Assault Victims

Hi, I'm attorney Anjali Nigam and I've represented several survivors of sexual assault by massage therapists in civil lawsuits. Here are a few things you should know about your legal rights if you've recently been sexually assaulted by a massage therapist:

Sexual assaults by massage therapists have become a nationwide crisis, with hundreds of customers reporting being assaulted during massage sessions across the country. Many of these victims have sought justice by filing civil lawsuits against the businesses where they were assaulted, alleging negligence was partially to blame.

Some sexual assaults by massage therapists may have been prevented if not for negligence - such as failing to run a background check before hiring a new employee. In a case where negligence is involved, the victim likely has a strong case for a lawsuit.

If you or a loved one has been sexually assaulted by a massage therapist, you can learn more about your legal options in a free consultation with one of our experienced sexual assault victims attorneys.

Sources:

https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/new-masseur-at-massage-heights-accused-of-sexually-assaulting-woman-during-session

https://www.khou.com/article/news/crime/massage-heights-therapist-arrested-on-suspicion-of-sexual-assault/285-501b9411-e6f0-45e6-b541-7199d2221578