On October 29, 2018, Copeley Johnson & Groninger PLLC filed a civil complaint against Massage Envy – both its franchise corporation and a local franchise – on behalf of two separate victims of sexual abuse by a massage therapist at the Massage Envy facility in Wilmington, North Carolina in 2015. The two female victims, who describe “extreme discomfort and fear,” were both assaulted by the same massage therapist during a massage at the Mayfaire Town Center location. The assaults occurred only six days apart, with the second assault occurring after the first victim had repeatedly complained to management.
According to the complaint, Massage Envy not only failed to provide basic safety to clients in a most vulnerable setting, but it systematically and intentionally conspired and concealed the rampant problem of massage therapists at Massage Envy franchise locations sexually assaulting customers throughout the country. The complaint says that in furtherance of their conspiracy, the Defendants actively sought to conceal the knowledge and danger of customers being sexually assaulted within their business locations by actively preventing sexual assault reports from being reported to law enforcement and/or state massage therapy boards.
A copy of the complaint (redacted for privacy reasons) can be found here.
Criminal cases for the two victims are still pending with the New Hanover County criminal court. Anyone who may have been sexually assaulted is asked to contact law enforcement. Also, Ms. Copeley and her team are interested in speaking with witnesses with knowledge about these events. Anyone with information is encouraged to step forward and contact the firm at 888-407-5921.
Caution: A criminal defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty. The mere fact that a civil case has been filed is not proof of misconduct.
Copeley Johnson & Groninger PLLC is committed to protecting the rights of victims of sexual crimes. Contact Leto Copeley today by calling 888-407-5921 or completing this form.
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