PHOENIX (AZFamily) — A Phoenix massage therapist was arrested Tuesday for the alleged sexual abuse of a client.
Julian Harris, 39, faces three counts of sexual abuse after a woman accused him of inappropriate touching during two massage therapy sessions at Pritchette Physical Therapy near Chandler Boulevard and Desert Foothills Parkway.
Julian Harris, 39, is facing three counts of sexual abuse.(Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office/Maricopa County Superior Court)
The victim reported to police that Harris massaged her chest during a session on May 12, but said she didn’t know if his actions were sexually motivated and scheduled a follow-up appointment.
When she returned for the appointment a week later, she said she was facedown on a massage table when Harris placed his penis in her hand, then touched other parts of her body inappropriately. She told police she was afraid and told Harris to stop.
The woman reported that Harris then told her to roll over onto her back and that he continued massaging her before he placed both hands firmly around her neck. She said he didn’t hurt her, but she was fearful.
The woman left and called office management to report what happened. Police were also contacted.
Court documents say the woman agreed to a one-party consent call, and that she called Harris and put the call on speakerphone for investigators to hear.
Harris allegedly admitted on the recorded call that his actions were inappropriate and apologized several times. He reportedly told the woman he thought there was a connection between them.
He also appeared to suggest on the call that he may have had similar interactions with other clients, the report says.
Harris was arrested Tuesday morning at his home in Tempe.
It’s unclear how long he has been employed by Pritchette Physical Therapy.
Harris worked at Prichette Physical Therapy for just over a year and was fired in May shortly after the inappropriate behavior was reported, its owner Dr. Keith Prichette told Arizona’s Family.
“This isn’t something we condone in any way, shape or form,” Prichette said.
Harris had no prior issues or complaints while he was employed there, according to Prichette. Prichette also told Arizona’s Family that as of today, they have not received any other allegations or complaints from clients about Harris.
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