Charge: Masseur sexually assaulted patient during 'special massage'
SEATTLE -- A Kirkland massage therapist accused of sexually assaulting a woman at a Bothell chiropractic clinic has been charged with indecent liberties, a felony sex crime.
Filing charges earlier this month, King County prosecutors claim Peter J. Hunzinger groped a patient's breasts and reached between her legs during a massage meant to treat a workplace injury.
Prosecutors contend Hunzinger, a massage therapist licensed with the state, was working out of Eastside Chiropractic in late February when he accosted the woman during a session. Hunzinger has since been fired, according to charging documents, though his license with the state appeared to be active Thursday afternoon.
Writing the court, a King County Sheriff's Office detective said the woman was referred to the clinic and ultimately to Hunzinger after suffering neck and back injuries at work.
While her chiropractor specified that only her neck and shoulder needed attention, Hunzinger redrew his instructions to include the woman's breasts and thighs, the detective told the court.
Recalling her last session with Hunzinger to police, the woman said the masseur groped her breasts and pubic area.
When she confronted him, Hunzinger claimed he was "just teasing," the detective told the court. Hunzinger allegedly went on to say it "was a special massage for a special client."
The woman told police she was afraid because she and Hunzinger were alone in the building at the time.
According to charging documents, the chiropractor fired Hunzinger the same day. He noted in the termination letter that he'd previously warned Hunzinger about his behavior with female clients.
Hunzinger denied any wrongdoing, according to charging documents.
Hunzinger has been charged with indecent liberties. He has not been jailed in the case.
Seattlepi.com is a media partner of KOMO News.
Filing charges earlier this month, King County prosecutors claim Peter J. Hunzinger groped a patient's breasts and reached between her legs during a massage meant to treat a workplace injury.
Prosecutors contend Hunzinger, a massage therapist licensed with the state, was working out of Eastside Chiropractic in late February when he accosted the woman during a session. Hunzinger has since been fired, according to charging documents, though his license with the state appeared to be active Thursday afternoon.
Writing the court, a King County Sheriff's Office detective said the woman was referred to the clinic and ultimately to Hunzinger after suffering neck and back injuries at work.
While her chiropractor specified that only her neck and shoulder needed attention, Hunzinger redrew his instructions to include the woman's breasts and thighs, the detective told the court.
Recalling her last session with Hunzinger to police, the woman said the masseur groped her breasts and pubic area.
When she confronted him, Hunzinger claimed he was "just teasing," the detective told the court. Hunzinger allegedly went on to say it "was a special massage for a special client."
The woman told police she was afraid because she and Hunzinger were alone in the building at the time.
According to charging documents, the chiropractor fired Hunzinger the same day. He noted in the termination letter that he'd previously warned Hunzinger about his behavior with female clients.
Hunzinger denied any wrongdoing, according to charging documents.
Hunzinger has been charged with indecent liberties. He has not been jailed in the case.
Seattlepi.com is a media partner of KOMO News.
