Massage therapist in Southern California charged with sexually abusing a client

A 56-year-old massage therapist from Riverside has been arrested on charges of sexually assaulting and kidnapping a client. Authorities believe the man may have other victims.

In a press release, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department said officers took a report on the incident in May of this year and identified the suspect as Charles Russell, a state-certified massage therapist.

Authorities accuse the 56-year-old of “inappropriately touching a customer during a massage at the Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spa in Rancho Cucamonga,” adding that they were able to substantiate the allegations.

A warrant was issued for Russell’s arrest and he was taken into custody on June 12 and booked into the West Valley Detention Center.

“Through further investigation and based on the information gathered, officers believe there may be additional victims,” ​​the press release states. “Investigators are releasing Russell’s photo to help locate additional victims.”

Anyone who may have been a victim of the 56-year-old or has information related to this investigation is asked to contact SBSD Deputy M. Gonzalez of the Rancho Cucamonga Station at 909-477-2800.

Those who wish to remain anonymous can call the WeTip hotline at 800-782-7463 or submit tips online at www.wetip.com.