Belton, Texas business owner arrested in 2022, affidavit says

BELTON, Texas – A Belton business owner who was recently charged with indecent touching had previously been arrested on charges of sexual assault and indecent touching in two separate incidents, according to two 2022 affidavits obtained by 6 News on Wednesday.

DeMarr Lowe Thomas, owner of The Retreat Therapeutic Massage in Belton, was arrested on Tuesday, July 2, 2024, for indecent assault. The incident reportedly occurred while he was giving a customer a massage at the business, according to Belton police.

Police did not release any details about the incident.

However, the 2022 arrest affidavits indicate that Thomas had previously been arrested for indecent assault and sexual assault following separate incidents on May 7, 2022 and August 8, 2022.

The affidavit, dated May 7, 2022, states that Thomas was arrested for indecent assault after allegedly massaging a victim in her intimate area after she signed a statement saying she did not want to be massaged in those areas.

According to the Aug. 8, 2022, affidavit, the other victim told police that she had booked a 90-minute massage with the business and that Thomas was the masseuse. The victim said she had already had four or five massages with Thomas without any incidents, according to the affidavit.

The victim claimed Thomas touched her inappropriately during the massage, the affidavit states. When she left the business, the victim allegedly took Thomas’ business card so she could have his full name and report him.

The officer who signed the warrant stated that they made contact with Thomas, who said that he had massaged the victim at that time and on that day, but denied the assault allegations.

According to police, Thomas posted bail on these charges and was released from police custody.

The second victim reportedly came forward after the first incident was reported, police said. Following Thomas’ latest arrest this week, Belton police said a third victim came forward and made allegations against him.

If there are any other victims or anyone has information, please contact Belton Police at 254-933-5840.