Unlicensed massage therapist groped clients, police say

Unlicensed massage therapist groped clients, police say

(Weber County Sheriff's Office)


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SALT LAKE CITY — Police say an unlicensed massage therapist groped several clients and claimed some of his intrusive techniques would allow him to diagnose whether they had cancer, leading to his arrest Wednesday.

Richard Dwaileebe, 45, of Layton, was booked into Weber County Jail for investigation of forcible sexual abuse, performing medicine without a license, and performing massage therapy without a license.

A Weber County woman filed a complaint against Dwaileebe in June, and five other women have since come forward, Weber County Sheriff's Lt. Lane Findlay said. Police believe there are "numerous" other victims, Findlay said.

"We really believe Mr. Dwaileebe was a con artist," he said. "He manipulated people, was able to establish trust with them, and then took advantage of them."

Dwaileebe allegedly performed illicit massages while traveling to clients' homes, relying on word of mouth to spread his business. Investigators say he illegally used a technique called "pelvic floor work" to inappropriately massage his clients. The technique is valid, Findlay said, but it can only by used legally by a licensed chiropractor.


We really believe Mr. Dwaileebe was a con artist. He manipulated people, was able to establish trust with them, and then took advantage of them.

–Lt. Lane Findlay


Polcie say Dwaileebe told clients that some of his inappropriate massages would help him diagnose whether they had cancer by detecting the health of their lymphatic system.

"He really manipulated these individuals into thinking he was able to help them," Findlay said.

Dwaileebe was investigated in 2012 after several women at a South Ogden spa complained he inappropriately touched them, Findlay said.

That case was transferred to the state Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing, which stripped Dwaileebe's massage therapy license in June 2012. No criminal charges were filed against Dwaileebe for the allegations.

In February, 2nd District Judge Mark DeCaria ordered Dwaileebe to pay New Image Day Spa, which has a location in South Ogden, a little more than $3 million in damages for inappropriately touching clients, breaching his contract with the business and other violations.

DeCaria ruled New Image Day Spa lost 174 clients, 111 of them permanently, as a result of Dwaileebe's behavior, costing the business nearly $5,500 per client.

Contributing: Brianna Bodily

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